False yellowjacket cichlid (Parachromis motaguensis)

Scientific name: Parachromis motaguensis G?nther, 1867

False yellowjacket cichlid (Parachromis motaguensis)

The False yellowjacket cichlid (Parachromis motaguensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 30 cm (12 in). It is moderate to keep and aggressive, is best kept in a species tank and needs a tank of at least 285 L (75 US gal), water at 25–30°C (77–86°F) and a pH of 7.0–8.5. Native range: Central America, Atlantic slope of Guatemala and Honduras in the Motagua River basin; Pacific slope, from the Naranjo River (Guatemala) to Choluteca River (Honduras).

False yellowjacket cichlid care at a glance

Care level
Moderate
Temperament
Aggressive
Community tank
Not suitable
Adult size
30 cm (12 in)
Minimum tank
285 L (75 US gal)
Temperature
25–30°C (77–86°F)
pH
7.0–8.5
Hardness
9–20 dGH (161–357 ppm)
Diet
Carnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Inhabits lakes and rivers but prefers the moderate to fast flowing waters of the lower and middle river valley sections. Feeds on fish, aquatic and terrestrial insects. Oviparous.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Parachromis motaguensis
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
30.0
Environment
Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 20 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Central America: Atlantic slope of Guatemala and Honduras in the Motagua River basin; Pacific slope, from the Naranjo River (Guatemala) to Choluteca River (Honduras).
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquaculture: commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More south & central american cichlids

See all south & central american cichlids

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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