Remarks: Black Belt Cichlids (Vieja maculicauda) are large cichlids native to Central America, including Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. They are primarily herbivorous and should not be fed a diet high in animal protein, but they will readily accept most prepared foods in the aquarium. Tanks should be furnished with rocks and driftwood, but plants are likely to be torn up or moved. 

They seem to do best when kept with non-cichlids such as large livebearers or characins. Similarly-colored or shaped fish will be attacked. In tanks smaller than 200-300 gallons, it is advised to only keep one of these species, or perhaps a pair if they do not kill each other. 

Scientific Name: Vieja maculicauda

Common Name: Black Belt Cichlid

Max Size: 10"

pH: 6.0-8.0

Hardness: Hard

Temperature: 70-82°

Aggressiveness: Aggressive

Region of Origin: Central America

Captive Bred or Wild: Captive Bred

Diet: Flake or pellet, frozen and live food

Compatibility: Alone, in pairs, or with similarly sized Central or South American cichlids

Tank Mate Options:

• Green Swordtail
• Firemouth Cichlid
• Nicaraguan Cichlid

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