All fish / Cichlidae

Jaguar Cichlid

Parachromis managuensis

Also known as jaguar cichlid, managuense cichlid, managuense, aztec cichlid, spotted guapote, guapote tigre, false yellow jacket, jaguar guapote, ปลาจากัวร์, ジャガーシクリッド, 珍珠豹, 马拉丽丽鱼

A large, heavily built predatory cichlid with a silvery to golden body covered in bold black blotches and spots, giving it a jaguar-like look. It is kept by enthusiasts of big Central American cichlids for its striking pattern, strong personality and interaction with its owner.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

35 cm

Temperature

24 to 30 °C

pH

7 to 8.5

Smallest tank

500 litres

Keep as

Singly or as a mated pair in a large tank

Diet

Carnivore: quality cichlid pellets, prawns, mussel, fish fillet and earthworms

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Central America: Atlantic slope of Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica

Breeding

Pairs spawn on cleaned flat rocks and both parents guard the eggs and fry fiercely. Breeding is easy once a compatible pair forms, but the male can kill an unready female, so a divider is often used.

Good to know

Grows large and becomes very aggressive and territorial, eating any fish small enough to swallow, so it needs a very big tank and robust tankmates. It is invasive in several countries and its import or release may be restricted locally.