White Cichlid
Vieja argentea
A boldly colored Central American bruiser that rewards patient, experienced keepers.
About
Known informally as the White Cichlid, Vieja argentea is a large and assertive cichlid native to the Usumacinta River basin on Mexico's Atlantic slope. A system characterized by warm, moderately hard water winding through lowland forests. In the aquarium it will quickly make its personality known: this is not a fish that tolerates crowding or weak tankmates. Aggression toward its own kind in particular is pronounced, and any community attempt requires plenty of rockwork and driftwood arranged to create genuine, defendable territories for every fish present. Even then, success is far from guaranteed. A bonded pair is generally the most workable arrangement, though keepers need to watch carefully that the male does not persistently harass the female, especially during spawning activity. Breeding itself is fairly straightforward once a compatible pair is established. They prepare and clean a flat spawning site, typically a smooth stone, and prove to be attentive parents through the fry stage. Eggs hatch within a few days and the young grow quickly. Adults can eventually turn on their own brood when the urge to spawn again kicks in, so fry removal at that point is wise. Given its size at maturity and its temperament, Vieja argentea is best suited to experienced cichlid keepers who can provide appropriately scaled, well-structured housing.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with White Cichlid
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the White Cichlid get?
- The White Cichlid reaches about 6.5–14" as an adult.
- What size tank does the White Cichlid need?
- A minimum of 53 gallons is recommended for the White Cichlid.
- What water parameters does the White Cichlid need?
- The White Cichlid does best with a temperature of 72–86°F, a pH of 7–8, hardness around 8–25 dGH.
- Is the White Cichlid aggressive?
- The White Cichlid is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the White Cichlid eat?
- The White Cichlid is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the White Cichlid live?
- With good care, the White Cichlid typically lives 10-15 years.