Species profile
Rainbow Cichlid (Paraneetroplus)
Vieja melanurus
Aggressive
Hard care
680 L minimum aquarium
35–42 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Minimum group: 2
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Often sold as “Vieja”. Thick-bodied, powerful cichlid with strong jaws and appetite.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–30 °C
pH
6.5–7.8
GH
Up to 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
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
5.5
Large territorial Central American cichlid. A compatible adult pair needs a very large footprint and strong visual barriers; mismatched pairs can injure one another.
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
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
680 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Vieja melanurus
Alternative names
Paraneetroplus synspilus, Vieja synspila, Vieja melanura, Synspilum Cichlid, Redhead Cichlid
Native range
Central America, principally Atlantic-slope lowland systems of southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.
Natural habitat
Lakes and lower river valleys. Use large open territory, robust rock/wood structure and heavy filtration; soft plants and delicate décor are poor choices.
Diet & feeding
Plant-heavy omnivore; use quality large-cichlid foods with vegetable matter and supplementary invertebrate protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males are usually larger with a stronger head profile and longer fins; females remain smaller and fuller when gravid.
Breeding
Biparental substrate spawner producing large guarded broods on cleaned firm surfaces.