Blackbelt cichlid (Paraneetroplus maculicauda)

Scientific name: Paraneetroplus maculicauda Regan, 1905

The Blackbelt cichlid (Paraneetroplus maculicauda) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 26–28°C (79–82°F). Native range: Central America, Atlantic slope, from the Usumacinta River drainage in Guatemala to the Chagres River in Panama.

Blackbelt cichlid care at a glance

Temperature
26–28°C (79–82°F)

Biology

Inhabits lakes and rivers but migrates to the extreme lower sections of the lower river valleys where current is slow. Prefers muddy and sandy bottoms and lives among submerged trees and logs for protection. Thrives well in shady bank areas of rivers. Able to tolerate brackish and marine conditions. Feeds on benthic detritus consisting of vegetable matter, both aquatic and terrestrial plants, seeds and fruits.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Paraneetroplus maculicauda
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
25.0
Depth range
10 m (33 ft)
Environment
Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; potamodromous; depth range 10 - ? m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Central America: Atlantic slope, from the Usumacinta River drainage in Guatemala to the Chagres River in Panama.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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