Vieja Argentea

Datasheet

General Description

The Silver Cichlid, also known as the White Cichlid, is a visually striking but aggressive fish species. Typically found through specialized cichlid dealers in the UK, it boasts vibrant colors.

Aquarium Setup

For the Silver Cichlid, a tank size of at least 200 liters is recommended. It is essential to provide ample rocks and bogwood for territorial delineation. While plants can be added, they may be uprooted. Lighting is not crucial, but efficient filtration is necessary due to the species' messy eating habits (see table for water conditions).

Behaviour

Notably aggressive, especially towards its own kind, the Silver Cichlid can thrive in a community tank with sturdy Central American cichlids. However, success is not guaranteed, and caution is advised to prevent female bullying. Bonded pairs generally coexist well, but monitoring for aggression towards the female is crucial.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, the Silver Cichlid is primarily herbivorous. In captivity, they accept various foods, with a staple diet of high-quality cichlid pellets. Supplement their diet with meaty options like prawns, mussels, and white fish, along with essential vegetable matter like spirulina or algae wafers.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding Silver Cichlids can be challenging due to aggressive behavior. The pair will select and prepare a spawning site, with spawning usually occurring on a stone or inside a cave. The male may display aggression towards the female during spawning, and fry should be provided with suitable food. The male is larger, develops a nuchal hump, and exhibits extended dorsal and anal finnage.

Habitat and Distribution

Endemic to the River Usumacinta drainage in western Mexico, the Silver Cichlid thrives in freshwater habitats in this region. With optimal water conditions of pH 7.0, hardness of 10-15 degrees dH, and a temperature range of 26-30 degrees Celsius, this species adapts well to its native environment.