Species profile
Nicaraguan Cichlid
Hypsophrys nicaraguensis
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
300 L minimum aquarium
20–25 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Minimum group: 2
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Colourful Central American cichlid. Can be assertive but workable with robust fish.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–27 °C
pH
7–8
GH
9–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 2
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3.2
Relatively manageable by Central American cichlid standards but still territorial, especially as a breeding pair. Do not pair with tiny fish or delicate bottom dwellers.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
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
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
300 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Hypsophrys nicaraguensis
Alternative names
Nicaraguan Cichlid, Nicaragua Cichlid, Moga
Native range
Central America: Lakes Nicaragua and Managua and the Río San Juan drainage of Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Natural habitat
Lakes and rivers with slow-to-moderate current. Adults forage over bottom substrates; provide sand/fine gravel, wood/rock cover and open feeding areas.
Diet & feeding
Adults naturally take detritus, seeds, leaves, snails and other molluscs; use a varied omnivorous cichlid diet with vegetable content.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males are generally larger with more extended fins; females often show stronger gold/yellow breeding colour and a fuller abdomen.
Breeding
Biparental substrate spawner that deposits non-adhesive eggs in excavated sand depressions; both parents guard the brood.