Vieja Bifasciata

Datasheet

Behaviour:

Vieja bifasciata, commonly known as the Red-Spotted Cichlid, is a large and moderately to very aggressive cichlid species. Individual behavior can vary significantly, with some thriving in large cichlid communities. However, success is not guaranteed, and caution is advised, especially when dealing with breeding behavior. Even with a bonded pair, the female is likely to face aggression from the male if breeding is not a mutual goal. It is crucial to monitor interactions closely to prevent harm.

Feeding and Diet:

Regarded as herbivorous detrivores, Vieja bifasciata primarily feeds on algae, detritus, and various aquatic and terrestrial vegetation in the wild. A diet high in vegetable content is essential for their overall health. They can also ingest small benthic invertebrates while foraging. Feeding them a staple diet of quality vegetable-based products supplemented with foods like frozen peas, spinach, bloodworms, earthworms, and chopped prawns is recommended. Avoid feeding them mammal meat like beef heart or chicken, as the fats in these meats can lead to health issues.

Reproduction & Dimorphism:

Vieja bifasciata engages in bi-parental substrate spawning. Breeding them requires a tank with ample space, flat surfaces for spawning, and hiding places for the female. Pair formation can be facilitated by growing a group of young fish together. During courtship, the female deposits eggs in a neat line, which the male fertilizes. The fry hatch in about 72 hours and become free-swimming within a week. Feeding them Artemia nauplii and microworms at this stage is crucial for their growth. Males are larger and more colorful, sporting red markings on their face and throat, while females are comparatively drab.

Habitat and Distribution:

Vieja bifasciata is predominantly found in still or slow-moving aquatic environments with abundant vegetation, such as lakes, coastal lagoons, and slow sections of rivers. Their distribution ranges from the River Grijalva to the Usumacinta basins in Mexico and Guatemala.

Aquarium Setup:

To recreate their natural habitat, provide Vieja bifasciata with soft sand or gravel substrate, along with ample hiding spots like rocks, driftwood, and artificial shelters. As herbivores that feed from the bottom, live plants may not survive in their tank. Efficient external filtration and heaters are recommended, with modern options like inline heaterstats providing a convenient solution for maintaining optimal water conditions. A tank size of at least 243 liters is necessary to accommodate their territorial behavior and breeding needs.