The Vieja Synspilum Cichlid, also commonly known as the Redhead Cichlid, is a large and colorful Central American cichlid. It is admired for its vibrant mix of red, orange, yellow, and blue hues, along with its intelligent and interactive personality. Although aggressive, it is slightly more tolerant than some other large cichlids.
Scientific Name:
Vieja synspila (Sometimes classified under Paraneetroplus synspilus)
Maximum Size:
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Males can grow up to 14 inches (35 cm).
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Females are slightly smaller, around 10-12 inches (25-30 cm).
Native Region:
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Found in slow-moving rivers and lakes in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.
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Prefers warm waters with sandy or muddy bottoms and plenty of submerged wood.
Diet (Carnivorous or Omnivorous?)
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Omnivorous, requiring a varied diet of both plant and protein-based foods.
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In the wild, they eat small crustaceans, insects, algae, and plant matter.
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In captivity, they thrive on:
✅ High-quality cichlid pellets
✅ Fresh vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)
✅ Live or frozen foods (shrimp, bloodworms, krill)
❌ Avoid fatty or processed foods, as they can cause health problems.
Lifespan:
Breeding Season & Behavior:
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Breeds year-round in captivity if the conditions are ideal.
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Pairs form strong bonds and become highly territorial when breeding.
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Lays eggs on flat surfaces like rocks or caves, and the fry hatch in 3-5 days.
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Both parents aggressively guard the eggs and fry.
Best Tank Mates:
Vieja Synspilum Cichlids are semi-aggressive, so they need similar-sized, robust fish as tank mates.
✅ Other large Central American cichlids (Texas Cichlid, Jack Dempsey, Jaguar Cichlid)
✅ Large, peaceful fish (Silver Dollars, Plecos, Giant Gouramis)
✅ Large armored catfish (Synodontis, Sailfin Plecos)
🚫 Avoid:
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Small fish (they will be eaten).
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Highly aggressive cichlids (like Red Devils or Flowerhorns, which may cause excessive fighting).
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Slow-moving or delicate fish (they may be bullied).
Ideal Tank Conditions:
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Tank Size: 100 gallons minimum for a single fish, 150+ gallons for a pair.
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Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
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pH: 6.8-8.0 (prefers neutral to slightly alkaline water).
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Water Hardness: Moderate to hard.
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Filtration: Strong filtration is required to handle their bioload.
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Décor:
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Provide rocks, caves, and driftwood for hiding and territorial zones.
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Use heavy decorations, as they will dig and rearrange the substrate.
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Avoid delicate plants, as they may uproot them.
⚠ Important Note:
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Less aggressive than Red Devils or Jaguars, but still territorial.
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Intelligent and interactive, often recognizing their owner.
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Requires a large tank to accommodate their size and behavior.
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