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Freshwater   Fishes

Nicaragua Cichlid
(Hypsophrys nicaraguensis)

Hypsophrys nicaraguensis

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

None (for the moment!)

Names

Scientific name
Hypsophrys nicaraguensis
Hypsophrys unimaculatus
Cichlasoma nicaraguense
Copora nicaraguense
Heros balteatus
Heros nicaraguensis
Herichthys nicaraguensis

Common name
Nicaragua Cichlid
Nicaraguense
Moga
Nickie
Parrot cichlid
Macaw cichlid
Butterfly cichlid
Vieja

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: Central America (Nicaragua, Costa Rica)
Biotope: American

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

In their classic form, the young male has a multitude of points on the fins that the female does not have. Females are smaller and more colorful than males. Finally, a small nuchal hump may appear on the head of dominant males.

Group

Group

Cichlidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

Couple: 300 L / 66 imp gal / 79 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 24 to 28°C or 75 to 82°F
pH: 7 to 8
Hardness: 8 to 20°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Easy

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

20 to 25cm (8 to 10")

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

10 to 12 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Middle and depth

Individuals

sociability of the species

3 (harem)

Food

How to feed the Nicaragua Cichlid?

Food

How to feed the Nicaragua Cichlid?

This omnivorous fish is not difficult to please. In the wild, it feeds on insects, plants, larvae and various detritus. In aquariums, it easily accepts all types of food offered to it. For good health, vary your meals as much as possible, both in form and content.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Nicaragua Cichlid have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Nicaragua Cichlid have?

He is one of the most sociable among the family of the great Cichlasomas. It almost never leaves its territory, which it can defend on certain occasions (during the reproduction period for example) but overall it is a peaceful and calm species.

The Nicaragua Cichlid digs the ground and tends to modify its scenery.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Nicaragua Cichlid?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Nicaragua Cichlid?

The ideal maintenance is done in harem, i.e. 1 male for at least 2 females. At the very least, this fish must live in couple. Never combine 2 males in the same aquarium.

The Nicaragua Cichlid is peaceful with other species of the same size. Thus, you can associate him other calm Central American species in large aquariums of at least 800 L / 176 Imp gal / 211 US gal (each species must be able to form a satisfactory territory). On the other hand, it coexists rather badly with fishes that have too much character, with which it can be quite aggressive.

Also be careful with small fish as the risk of predation is quite high.

Breeding

How to breed the Nicaragua Cichlid?

Breeding

How to breed the Nicaragua Cichlid?

hypsophrys nicaraguensis femelle hypsophrys nicaraguensis mâle

The reproduction of Nicaragua Cichlid is quite easy. It is a fish which lays on discovered substrate, i.e. it will deposit its eggs directly on the ground, in a bowl which it will have dug.

Like all the fish having this mode of reproduction, it is up to them to choose their partner. To be sure to have a breeding pair, you will have to maintain between 5 and 6 young fish. A couple will form naturally.

The spawning is regular when the couple is installed: up to once a month. Egg laying can include between 300 and 400 eggs. Surprising fact: it is the only laying species on Central American substrate whose eggs are non-adhesive.

Once the eggs are laid, the female stands guard. Sometimes, other females also watch the brood.

After hatching, the tiny fry are kept grouped together and it is not uncommon to see the parents taking a few stray young in their mouths to put them back with the group.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Nicaragua Cichlid?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Nicaragua Cichlid?

This fish is not too demanding as for its decoration. The aquarium must be spacious: count at least 300 L / 66 Imp gal / 79 US gal for two or three adults in a specific aquarium, and 800 L / 176 Imp gal / 211 US gal in the case of a Central American Cichlidae group aquarium (see more depending on the population envisaged).

Install rocks and roots. Be careful to secure your arrangement to avoid rockslides. To do this, first install the elements of the decor (you can even glue them together), then add fine sand for the floor afterwards. This will avoid accidents especially since this fish likes to dig into the ground.

Add solid plants because the Nicaraguan likes the hiding places they offer.

Do not create too much current in the aquarium because this species likes slow currents.

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Its appearance may vary according to its geographical origin. In order to keep natural colors, we advise you not to mix fish of different varieties to avoid their hybridization.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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