All fish / Cichlidae

Motagua Cichlid

Parachromis motaguensis

Also known as motaguense, motaguensis cichlid, false yellowjacket, yellowjacket cichlid, motagua guapote, cichlasoma motaguense, モタグエンシス, 莫塔瓜慈鲷

A large, predatory Central American cichlid with a yellow to greenish body covered in dark spots and blotches, often with a red tinge to the throat and fins. It is kept by enthusiasts of big cichlids for its strong colours, alertness and interactive, pet-like behaviour.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

28 cm

Temperature

24 to 30 °C

pH

7 to 8

Smallest tank

450 litres

Keep as

Single specimen or a bonded pair

Diet

Carnivore: cichlid pellets, prawns, fish fillet, earthworms and insects

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Atlantic and Pacific slopes of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador (Motagua and nearby river basins)

Breeding

A substrate spawner that lays eggs on flat stones or wood, with both parents fiercely guarding eggs and fry. Breeding is fairly easy with a compatible pair, but males can be violent towards unready females, so a divider may be needed.

Good to know

Very aggressive and predatory; it will eat small fish and needs a large, robust tank with sturdy tankmates. Often confused with the related Parachromis friedrichsthalii and P. loisellei, which are sometimes sold under the same names.