Nicaragua Cichlid, lat. Hypsophrys nicaraguensis- Hypsophrys nicaraguensis distribution
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Hypsophrys;
Species and synonyms: Nicaragua Cichlid (Hypsophrys nicaraguensis, Cichlasoma nicaraguense, Heros nicaraguensis, Nicaragua Cichlid, Parrot Cichlid, Butterfly Cichlid).
GBIF:
Nicaragua Cichlid (lat. Hypsophrys nicaraguensis) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Hypsophrys. One of the brightest and most popular Central American cichlids in the aquarium hobby.
Distribution. The natural range of the Nicaragua Cichlid covers freshwater bodies of Central America, mainly Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua, as well as rivers and streams of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The fish prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in lakes, rivers and floodplain water bodies with dense vegetation. It has been recorded as an introduced species in some countries.
Care requirements. The Nicaragua Cichlid is a large cichlid that grows up to 15–20 cm in the aquarium and up to 25 cm in the wild. To keep a pair or a group, an aquarium of at least 200 liters with a length of 120 cm is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Powerful filtration with moderate flow, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, large stones, driftwood and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants should have tough leaves or be potted.
Nicaragua Cichlids are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, fish, algae and vegetation in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality pellets for cichlids, live and frozen foods (bloodworms, shrimp, mussels, fish), as well as plant components (spirulina, blanched vegetables). It is important to vary the diet. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Nicaragua Cichlids are active in the middle and lower water layers. They are territorial and aggressive, especially during spawning. It is recommended to keep them in pairs or in groups with a predominance of females. Recommended tankmates include other large cichlids of comparable size, large catfish. It is not recommended to keep them with small or slow-moving fish, as well as with veiltail forms.
Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. Nicaragua Cichlids are substrate spawners, laying eggs on flat stones or in pre-dug pits. They reach sexual maturity at 10–12 months. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh water and a temperature increase of 1–2°C are recommended. The male and female form a stable pair and jointly care for the offspring. Eggs incubate for 3–5 days, fry are fed Artemia nauplii, microworms and fine dry food.
The Nicaragua Cichlid gets its name from its bright coloration: the body is golden-yellow or orange with a bluish sheen and bright blue spots on the head and fins. Males have brighter coloration and a pointed dorsal fin, females have a more rounded body. It is one of the brightest and most peaceful large cichlids, suitable for keeping with other cichlids of comparable size. Life expectancy is 10–15 years.
Convict Cichlid, lat. Amatitlania nigrofasciata