Yellowjacket Cichlid - (Parachromis Friedrichsthalii)

🐟 Yellowjacket Cichlid - (Parachromis friedrichsthalii) – Aggressive and Striking Central American Predator Cichlid

The Yellowjacket Cichlid (Parachromis friedrichsthalii) is a bold and powerful predatory cichlid native to Central America, found in lakes and rivers of Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. It is named for its vivid yellow body accented with black vertical barring, resembling the pattern of a yellowjacket wasp.

This species is known for its intelligence, aggressive temperament, and strong predatory instincts, making it suitable for experienced aquarists with large aquariums. In the right setup, they display stunning colors, especially during breeding.

🔎 Quick Facts – Yellowjacket Cichlid

• 📛 Common Name: Yellowjacket Cichlid, Freddy Cichlid
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Parachromis friedrichsthalii
• 🌍 Origin: Central America (Honduras, Guatemala, Belize)
• 🎨 Appearance: Golden-yellow body with black vertical bars and metallic blue highlights
• 📏 Max Size: 12–14 inches (30–35 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Occasionally available; sought after for size and pattern

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚔️ Aggressive and territorial, especially when breeding
• 🐟 Best kept with other large, equally aggressive fish
• 🧠 Intelligent and interactive with keepers

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 125+ gallons for adults
• 🪵 Rocks, caves, and driftwood for territories
• 🌊 Strong filtration for high bioload
• 💡 Moderate lighting to bring out colors

💧 Water Parameters

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

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous

• 🐟 High-protein pellets for large cichlids
• 🦐 Frozen foods like shrimp, krill, and fish fillets
• 🪱 Live foods such as earthworms (occasional treat)

📋 Overview Table

✨ Highlight:
The Yellowjacket Cichlid is a show-stopping predator with brilliant yellow-and-black barring, ideal for experienced aquarists seeking a large, intelligent, and aggressive centerpiece fish.