Vieja

A strikingly coloured, if somewhat aggressive fish. Also referred to as the White Cichlid, it is occasionally available in the UK through specialist cichlid dealers.

Vieja bifasciata are often confused for vieja synspilum but can be told apart as bifasciata have two prominent horizontal lines running between their eyes (hence the name). They are a very colourful fish and respond to their owner's presence - usually looking for food! Bifasciata are not particularly demanding in terms of water parameters and easy to keep, especially if suitable tankmates can be found. It is sometimes the case that a pair of fish that will not live together in a tank on ...

A very attractive fish when in adult colouration, vieja fenestrata is not all that common in the UK hobby. It can is often confused with the more commonly available v. synspila.

The Blackbelt Cichlid gets its name from two things: firstly the vertical black stripe around its flank, and secondly its toughness. Vieja maculicauda is a tough, aggressive fish and should be respected as such. Maculicauda is a relatively easy fish to keep. They are not impossible to breed, but not the easiest fish either. If you seriously intend to breed this fish, it is a wise decision to house 6 juvenile fish in a large tank (212 litres at least), and let them pair off. When a pair has be...

An attractive, if uncommonly seen cichlid. In common with many Central American cichlids, these fish can pose in a challenge in terms of accomodation and it not uncommon to end up having to house these fish individually. Previously described as cichlasoma regani, it is still occasionally sold under this name.

Widely and incorrectly referred to as vieja synspillum, this colourful fish is the most commonly available of the vieja species to the hobby. Although not as aggressive as some of its family, it is still a fish to treat carefully. It can be found in mildly brackish waters in its natural range but this is not recommended or required in captivity....

A hardy and easy to keep cichlid, albeit a moderately aggressive one. Rarely available in aquatic stores, this fish is occasionally available through specialist cichlid dealers.