Species profile
Red Tiger Motaguense
Parachromis motaguensis
Aggressive
Hard care
450 L minimum aquarium
25–30 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Powerful, predatory Central American cichlid. Suited only to large, tough communities or solos.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–30 °C
pH
7–8.5
GH
Not yet documented
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
4.8
Powerful predatory Central American cichlid with high territorial aggression. House singly or as a proven compatible pair with substantial separation options; community experiments are high risk.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
450 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Parachromis motaguensis
Alternative names
Red Tiger Motaguense, Motaguense Cichlid, False Yellowjacket Cichlid
Native range
Central America, centred on the Motagua drainage and neighbouring Atlantic/Pacific-slope systems of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.
Natural habitat
Lakes and rivers, with a preference for moderate-to-fast flowing lower and middle river reaches. Use heavy décor, strong filtration and oxygenation with large clear territories.
Diet & feeding
Piscivorous/insectivorous predator. Feed quality carnivore cichlid pellets plus varied frozen/aquatic invertebrate foods; feeder fish are unnecessary and carry disease/nutritional risks.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males are usually larger, more robust and develop longer fin extensions; females often show stronger red/orange breeding colour.
Breeding
Biparental substrate-spawning cichlid; pairs clean a firm spawning site and guard eggs and fry extremely aggressively.