Parachromis Managuensis - Pets

Pets

The Parachromis managuensis (commonly known as the jaguar cichlid) is the most commonly traded species of its genus and is greatly valued among the aquarium trade. As with all members of the genus, the jaguar cichlid is a large, aggressive and territorial member of the cichlidae. The Jaguar cichlid is a large, robust cichlid, displaying a shade of yellow/bronze throughout the body. This yellow colouration is then scattered with vivid black spots which are seen all along the flanks and gill plates. A series of several large black dots then run horizontally along the lateral line area. The fins are often a dark to black colouration, especially when in spawning colouration.

The female is similarly colored, but generally smaller than the male. The female will also lack the elongated extensions to the dorsal fins. This fish may also be found in Honduras and the rest of Central America where it plays a great role in the fishing industry.

The Parachromis managuensis is capable of reaching 13" (330 mm) in length with the female slightly smaller than the male, reaching lengths of about 9–10" (230–250 mm). It is highly advisable that a breeding pair of jaguar cichlids, or any other member of the Parachromis, are kept singularly, with the exception of very large aquaria, as a breeding pair will become hyper-aggressive, and pose great danger to any other fish in the tank.