{"product_id":"synspilum-cichlid-vieja-melanura","title":"Synspilum Cichlid | Vieja melanura","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Synspilum, also called the Redhead Cichlid, is a giant of personality among Central American cichlids - dominant fish blaze with red, gold and turquoise as they mature. It's a big, bold, characterful centrepiece fish that needs a serious tank, though it's a touch more even-tempered than many of its Central American relatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Usumacinta River basin of Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, where it inhabits slow to moderate-flowing rivers, lagoons and lakes with rocky or muddy substrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA deep-bodied, heavy-set cichlid. Juveniles are relatively drab, but adults - especially dominant males - develop a striking red-orange head, gold body and turquoise-flecked scales, with a prominent nuchal hump.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSemi-aggressive and territorial, particularly when breeding, but generally less combative than many other large Central American cichlids and can work in a community of similarly large, robust fish given enough space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn adaptable omnivore - takes quality cichlid pellets readily, along with meaty foods like prawn and bloodworm and the occasional vegetable matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeeds a very large tank with powerful filtration and regular water changes, since it produces a lot of waste and will excavate loose substrate. Provide sturdy rockwork and driftwood that won't collapse if rearranged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForms pairs that spawn on flat rocks or in dug-out pits, guarding eggs and fry closely. Parents become noticeably more territorial while raising a brood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVieja melanura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSynspilum Cichlid (Redhead Cichlid)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUsumacinta basin, Mexico, Guatemala \u0026amp; Belize\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30-35cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10-15 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-aggressive, territorial when breeding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e450 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e600+ litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24-28°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5-7.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8-18 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExperienced keepers with a large, dedicated tank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo - digs and will uproot planted decor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther large, robust Central American cichlids, big plecos, and sturdy dither fish able to hold their own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall, timid or slow fish, shrimp, and delicate plants.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232808091939,"sku":"AA1610-S","price":24.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232808124707,"sku":"AA1610","price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232808157475,"sku":"AA1610-L","price":34.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-30cm)","offer_id":55351966171427,"sku":"AA1610-XL","price":39.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/synspilum-cichlid-vieja-mela-43886850801955.webp?v=1790306325","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/synspilum-cichlid-vieja-melanura","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}