Parachromis managuensis (Jaguar Cichlid, Cichlasoma managuense)

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One of the cichlids known to biologists as "guapote" and referred to the genus Parachromis. All are large, predatory territorial, and aggressive.

Parachromis friedrichsthali lacks the jaguar-like reticulated pattern on the flanks typical of Parachromis managuensis. While both Parachromis dovii and Parachromis friedrichsthali have a series of roughly circular blotches on the flanks from the gill covers to the base of the tail, on Parachromis friedrichsthali these blotches are usually discrete while those on Parachromis dovii commonly fuse together to form a more or less continuous horizontal band across the flank. Parachromis friedrichsthali also have vertical bands running through the circular blotches.

Fish information (behaviour and breeding):

Wild fish are found in a variety of habitats, and in aquaria these fish are generally quite adaptable and easy to keep. They are, however, rather large, and so require a big tank with excellent filtration. They are also very territorial and potentially aggressive.

Feeding is not a problem. While piscivores in the wild, in captivity they accept a variety of things including frozen foods, pellets, and flake. A mix of invertebrates (mussels, prawns, bloodworms) plus frozen fish (whitebait, lancefish) is recommended. Live foods such as earthworms, river shrimps, and mealworms are also taken, and make good conditioning foods prior to breeding.

In the wild these fish have been observed to 'feign death', and so attract smaller fish looking to scavenge a corpse. When the small fish are in reach, the cichlid lunges at them quickly.

Breeding this species is possible, but difficult given its size and aggression, and the fact that immature fish are difficult to sex. As such, it is normal to rear a group of juveniles and then allow them to pair off naturally. Spawning takes place above a clean flat surface such as a rock. Around a thousand eggs are deposited. Both parents guard the eggs. The eggs hatch in about a week and are free swimming a couple of days later. The fry can be fed Artemia nauplii and liquid fry foods. They grow quickly.