HomeFreshwater aquarium fishSouth & Central American cichlidsHaitian cichlid Haitian cichlid (Nandopsis haitiensis) Scientific name: Nandopsis haitiensis Tee-Van, 1935 The Haitian cichlid (Nandopsis haitiensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–27°C (75–81°F). Native range: Central America, Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic). Haitian cichlid care at a glanceTemperature24–27°C (75–81°F) BiologyInhabits lakes and streams. Largely found solitarily or in pairs, rarely in groups of 6-8, often in association with poeciliids and the mugilid Agonostomus monticola. Occurs with introduced cichlids at numerous localities. Adults swim in open water, taking refuge in small crevices under debris or in rocks when pursued. Young fish are frequently found in aquatic vegetation. Feeds on algae, other aquatic plants and turret shells.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameNandopsis haitiensisFamilyCichlidae (Cichlids)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length21.5EnvironmentFreshwater; brackish; benthopelagicClimateTropicalDistributionCentral America: Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic).Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercialResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) More south & central american cichlidsThreespot eartheaterSatanoperca daemonEmerald cichlidHypselecara temporalisRam cichlidMikrogeophagus ramireziCockatoo cichlidApistogramma cacatuoidesRedbreast acaraLaetacara dorsigeraFlag acaraLaetacara curvicepsSee all south & central american cichlids SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026