Nicaragua Cichlid - (Hypsophrys nicaraguensis)

🐟 Nicaragua Cichlid – (Hypsophrys nicaraguensis)

Colorful and Peaceful Central American Gem

The Nicaragua Cichlid (Hypsophrys nicaraguensis) — also called the Nicaraguan Cichlid or Macaw Cichlid — is a brilliantly colored, mild-tempered Central American species found in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Known for its golden-yellow body, turquoise-blue highlights, and intelligent, interactive behavior, this species is an ideal choice for aquarists who appreciate beauty, personality, and peaceful cichlids with fascinating family dynamics.

🔎 Quick Facts – Nicaragua Cichlid (Hypsophrys nicaraguensis)

• 📛 Common Name: Nicaragua Cichlid / Nicaraguan Cichlid / Macaw Cichlid
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Hypsophrys nicaraguensis
• 🌍 Origin: Nicaragua & Costa Rica (Lake Nicaragua, Lake Managua, surrounding rivers)
• 🎨 Appearance: Gold-to-orange body with iridescent blue-green highlights and a dark horizontal band
• 📏 Max Size: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Occasional — valued for its color, intelligence, and calm temperament

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🕊️ Generally peaceful for a cichlid; may show territorial behavior while breeding
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Exhibits strong parental instincts — both parents guard eggs and fry
• 🐟 Suitable for pairs or small groups in large aquariums
• 🧠 Highly interactive and social with familiar keepers

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 75+ gallons for a pair or small group
• 🪵 Use rocks, driftwood, and sandy substrate to replicate their natural environment
• 🌿 Add hardy plants or potted vegetation — may dig lightly during spawning
• 🌊 Provide strong filtration to maintain excellent water quality
• 💡 Moderate lighting enhances their shimmering colors

💧 Water Parameters – Nicaragua Cichlid Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 7.0–8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
• 💧 Water Hardness: Medium to hard

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous

• 🐟 Primary diet: High-quality cichlid pellets or sticks
• 🦐 Supplements: Frozen krill, shrimp, bloodworms
• 🌿 Vegetables: Spirulina, peas, blanched spinach, zucchini
• 💬 At Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids, we feed a balanced mix of protein and plant-based foods to enhance color, growth, and overall health.

Recommended Foods:

• Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula
• Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Formula
• Hikari Cichlid Gold
• NorthFin Cichlid Premium Pellets

🐟 Purchasing through these links helps support our mission to provide quality fish, care education, and responsible hobby growth!

📋 Nicaragua Cichlid Overview Table

✨ Highlight

• 🌈 The Nicaragua Cichlid captivates aquarists with its radiant gold and turquoise coloration, intelligent nature, and cooperative breeding behavior.
• 💎 A perfect balance of beauty, personality, and tranquility, this Central American favorite thrives in well-maintained aquariums and is ideal for hobbyists seeking a colorful, social species with true character.