Jaguar Cichlid

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Scientific Name

Parachromis managuensis

Min. Tank Size

240 gallons

Personality

Territorial & aggressive

Temperature

75-82°F

pH

7.0-8.5/5-25°dGH

Size

24"

Diet

Carnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Best kept in a species tank in pairs or as a single pet; can only be kept with other large species, with caution, in very large tanks. Keep in mind that any fish smaller than the Jaguar Cichlid will be seen as food!

Jaguar Cichlid

The Jaguar Cichlid is a Central American Cichlid native to eastern side of Central America in Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. These fish can be found in a variety of habitats including silted lakes, clear streams and warm ponds. The Jaguar Cichlid has also been called the Managuense or Managua Cichlid as well as the Spotted or Jaguar Guapote. These fish are typically yellow or bronze in coloration and may exhibit a number of dark spots scattered along the flanks and gill area. Most specimens also have a line of large spots running along the lateral line. The fins of this species are usually dark in color, especially during breeding periods.

Tank Set-Up

This species is best kept in large tanks of 100 gallons or more because they are highly territorial and can become very aggressive. Jaguar Cichlids prefer tanks decorated with rocks and driftwood as hiding places and may also appreciate sand or fine gravel substrate. If you plan to spawn your Jaguar Cichlids, be sure to include some flat rocks or pieces of slate as well. Strong, efficient filtration is required to accommodate this large fish. In addition, weekly partial water changes are a must as part of the regular aquarium maintenance regimen.

Feeding

Jaguar Cichlids are a predatory species and almost exclusively carnivorous in nature. In the home aquarium, these fish should be offered a variety of meat-based foods including live and frozen insects, prawns, and raw fish.

Breeding

Breeding Jaguar Cichlids is not particularly difficult as long as the ideal spawning requirements are met. Once the breeding pair has selected a spawning site they will meticulously clean the area and the female will lay between 1000 and 2000 eggs to be fertilized by the male. After spawning the parent fish will fiercely guard their eggs and, after they hatch 5 to 7 days later, will transport the fry into pits dug in the substrate and resume parental care.