Scientific name: Vieja fenestrata

Common name: N/A

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 25 - 30 cm (9.84 - 11.81 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.2 - 8.4

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 11 - 23°N (196.43 - 410.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: North America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Vieja fenestrata are herbivorous in the wild but they also eat insects and invertebrates as well. In the aquarium this diet can be replicated by using cichlid pellets or a quality flake and supplement these with spirulina flake and algae wafers. For meaty foods supply the fish with prawns cockles and mussels.

Origin

Central America and North America; Vieja fenestrata are endemic to the waterways of Mexico.

Sexing

Males are larger than the females with extended dorsal and anal fins. They will also develop a nuchal hump as they mature.

Breeding

Vieja fenestrata are egg depositors so they will clean a site, normally a flat rock but sometimes they will spawn in a cave, and the eggs will be laid. After 2-3 days the fry should hatch and 4-5 days after that they will be free swimming. Offer the fry newly hatched brine shrimp until they are large enough to accept micro worms and crushed flake.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Vieja fenestrata is 8 years.

Short description

Vieja fenestrata is very unpredictable and can turn on its tank mates or partner without any warning. If the female looks like she is getting bullied, remover her from the tank or add a divider and only return her after a few days.