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| "Cichlasoma" urophthalmus |
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Mayan Tiger Cichlid, False Red Terror |
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Size: Size depends on the variante. The average Mayan Tiger will reach 9-12". I have a "Guatemala" variante that is only 7". I have heard that Rio Coatcacoalcos and Rio Usumacinta males can reach 15". So as you can see, depending on the collection location of a particular strain, the size can vary dramatically. Note - These varaintes are so diverse that they have recently been divided into separated species and subspecies |
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Origin: Urophthalmus (including the variantes and subspecies) cover nearly all of Central America and a fair chunk of Mexico. They can also found on many of the Caribean islands. |
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Temperment: Usually very aggressive. Will probably be difficult to keep with others in a smaller tank. Almost comparable to A. labiatus. |
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Minimum Tank Size: Tank size depends on the geographic population, 55-180 gallons |
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Availability: Very common, usually sold as "Red Terror". Some of the variantes may be hard to find though, such as the "Thick lip" variante from Rio Coatzacalcoas. |
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May Be Confused With: Amphilophus festae, which is the True Red Terror. To distinguish between the 2 use these methods. 1st- The tail spot on a Mayan Cichlid will cover almost the entire caudal peducle, a Festae's spot will only cover 1/2 or less. 2nd- The first stripe near the head is a Y shape on the Festae, but is not on the Urophthalmus. |
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Other Information and My Experiances
The Mayan Cichlid was the first American cichlid I ever bought. I was at Wal-Mart of all places when I saw a 30g tank with several 3" Mayan Cichlids in it and thought they looked nice. They were priced at $20, even though the fishkeeper had no idea what they were. I told him they were 'Mayan Cichlids' and that $10 was a more fair price. The guy was nice enough to let me have it for $10. So after I got the Mayan home and introduced him into his new 55g which only contained a 9" Polypterus and a Bumble bee cat at the time. He grew up to about 6" within a year and was then transferred into a 500g tank with a group of other cichlids. The entire time he was kept alone in the 55g he only came out to eat and was not very entertaining. But in the 500g with all the other cichlids, his attitude is completely the opposite. He's always out in the open and always ready for some food. Not to mention ready for a fight.
I have another smaller Urophthalmus also. I bought this second Uro at a size of 2". He growing up in my largest tank and is currently around 4". This little guy is mature now, and is constantly showing off to the larger female who ingores him. |
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