Mayan Cichlid Care Guide – How to Keep This Vibrant and Hardy Central American Cichlid
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Introduction: A Colorful Powerhouse from Central America
The Mayan Cichlid (Mayaheros urophthalmus) is a vibrant and hardy cichlid species native to Central America, particularly the Yucatán Peninsula. Known for its bold red-orange coloration, black vertical bars, and eye-catching eyespot on the tail, the Mayan Cichlid is both striking and adaptable, making it an exciting species for intermediate to experienced aquarists.
Often overlooked in the aquarium hobby, this fish offers stunning coloration, interesting behavior, and ease of care when provided the proper environment.
🔍 Species Overview
Attribute | Detail |
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Scientific Name | Mayaheros urophthalmus |
Common Name | Mayan Cichlid |
Adult Size | 10–12 inches |
Lifespan | 7–10 years |
Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
Origin | Central America (Mexico, Belize, Guatemala) |
Tank Level | Mid to bottom |
Skill Level | Intermediate |
🏠 Tank Requirements
🧱 Tank Size
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Minimum: 55 gallons for a single
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Recommended: 75–125 gallons for a pair or community
Mayan Cichlids grow large and require space to swim and establish territory. Larger tanks reduce aggression and improve health.
🪨 Aquascape
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Use rockwork, caves, and driftwood to provide hiding spots
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Sand or fine gravel substrate
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Hardy plants (like Java fern) may survive, but expect digging
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Keep decor modular to allow reorganization and reduce territory disputes
🌊 Filtration & Flow
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Use powerful filtration (canisters or large HOBs)
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Moderate to strong current
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High oxygenation and biological filtration needed due to their size and waste production
💧 Water Parameters
Parameter | Ideal Range |
---|---|
Temperature | 74–82°F |
pH | 7.0–8.2 |
Hardness | Moderate to hard (8–20 dGH) |
Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm |
Nitrate | < 40 ppm |
Weekly water changes of 30–50% are critical for large cichlids to maintain water quality and avoid disease.
🍽️ Diet & Nutrition
Mayan Cichlids are omnivorous, with a preference for protein-rich diets. They’ll eat nearly anything but benefit from variety.
✅ Recommended Foods:
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High-quality cichlid pellets
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Frozen or live krill, shrimp, bloodworms
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Fresh vegetables (blanched peas, spinach)
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Occasional treats: earthworms, feeder fish (ethically sourced only)
🕒 Feed 1–2x per day, avoiding overfeeding. A high-protein diet supports their color and growth, but greens are necessary to balance their digestion.
🧠 Behavior & Temperament
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Territorial and bold, especially during breeding
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Can be kept alone, in pairs, or in large cichlid communities with care
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Digging and rearranging décor is common
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Intelligent and interactive with their owners
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Require space and territory to minimize aggression
A well-established environment with sight breaks helps reduce conflict.
👫 Tank Mates
With the right setup, Mayan Cichlids can coexist with robust tankmates.
✅ Compatible Tank Mates:
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Oscars
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Jack Dempseys
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Firemouth Cichlids
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Green Terrors (with caution)
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Plecos
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Silver Dollars
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Large Barbs
❌ Avoid:
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Small or delicate fish
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Shrimp and nano species
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Passive community fish
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Species that occupy the same zone without defense
Success depends heavily on tank size, layout, and close observation during introductions.
🧬 Breeding Mayan Cichlids
Mayan Cichlids are relatively easy to breed in aquariums.
Breeding Process:
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Form pairs naturally or purchase a bonded pair
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Increase temperature to ~80°F to stimulate spawning
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Provide flat rocks for egg laying
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Female lays 100–500 eggs, which hatch in 2–3 days
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Fry become free-swimming after 5–7 days
Parents will defend the fry fiercely, so consider using a separate breeding tank or adding dividers.
🌟 Educational Insight: Mayan Cichlids as an Invasive Species
In parts of Florida, Mayan Cichlids are considered invasive, introduced via the aquarium trade. They’ve thrived in canals, lakes, and rivers, sometimes outcompeting native species.
While this reflects their hardiness, it also highlights the need for responsible ownership. Never release aquarium fish into the wild, and ensure ethical sourcing and proper tank containment.
💲 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?
At RobsAquatics.com, our Mayan Cichlids are:
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Quarantined and parasite-free
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Ethically sourced and health-checked
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Shipped overnight in insulated packaging
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Backed by a Live Arrival Guarantee
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Raised on a balanced diet and conditioned for aquarium life
Get a stunning, well-started Mayan Cichlid that’s already showing bold color and personality.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The Mayan Cichlid is a powerful yet underrated fish that rewards its keeper with bold color, intelligent behavior, and breeding potential. With the right setup and care, it becomes a centerpiece species in any Central or South American cichlid tank.
Ideal for aquarists who enjoy:
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Large, interactive fish
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Dynamic aquascaping
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Breeding behavior
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Predator-free but aggressive setups
👉 Order your 3–5” Mayan Cichlid from RobsAquatics.com and bring home one of the most vibrant and robust cichlids available in the hobby.