Melanarus Cichlid - (Vieja Melanarum)

🐟 Melanarus Cichlid – (Vieja melanarum) – Central American Cichlid for Sale

The Melanarus Cichlid (Vieja melanarum) is a stunning and robust Central American cichlid prized for its vibrant coloration, bold personality, and impressive size. Featuring a mix of metallic blues, reds, oranges, and golds, this species is a centerpiece fish for large aquariums. Known for their intelligence and territorial behavior, Melanarus Cichlids thrive in spacious, well-decorated setups with compatible tankmates.

🔎 Quick Facts – Melanarus Cichlid

• 📛 Common Name: Melanarus Cichlid
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Vieja melanarum
• 🌍 Origin: Central America (Honduras, Guatemala, Belize)
• 🎨 Appearance: Brilliant mix of metallic colors with dark vertical barring and a prominent nuchal hump in mature males
• 📏 Max Size: 12–14 inches (30–35 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Central American cichlid for sale

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚠️ Semi-aggressive to aggressive; territorial, especially when breeding
• 👫 Best kept with other large, robust cichlids or similar-sized fish
• 🧠 Intelligent and interactive with aquarists

🏠 Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 75+ gallons for a pair
• 🪵 Provide rocks, caves, and driftwood for territories
• 🌊 Moderate water flow with strong filtration
• 💡 Moderate lighting to enhance colors

💧 Water Parameters

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 7.0–8.0
• 💧 Water Hardness: Medium to hard

🍽️ Diet (Omnivorous)

• 🐟 High-quality cichlid pellets and sticks
• 🦐 Frozen or live foods like shrimp, krill, and bloodworms
• 🌿 Vegetable matter such as spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, or zucchini

📋 Overview Table – Melanarus Cichlid Care

✨ Highlight:
The Melanarus Cichlid is a vibrant, intelligent, and commanding Central American cichlid that brings unmatched color and personality to any large aquarium.