Vieja Zonatus - Large Cichlid

Credit of below info to Koltsixx of : Synonyms:Theraps Zonatum, Paratheraps Zonatus, Cichlasoma Zonatum Common Names: Mojarra, Oaxaca Size: 12 inches Temperature:77-81F Diet:Omnivore Temperament:Peaceful Conspecific: Highly Aggressive PH: Hardness: 10-15dGH Gender: Dimorphic​ While temperament can vary highly from individual to individual as well as be affected by environment, there are certain general behavior characteristics that the vast majority of individuals will fall under. In general Zonatus are highly aggressive with conspecifics even attacking larger fish that enter into their perceived territory. It’s also not uncommon for Zonatus to consider the whole tank their territory. Being highly aggressive toward conspecifics if you attempt a community with conspecifics great care must be taken. Use as large a tank as possible, supply ample hiding spaces, use decor to try to establish defined territories and observe carefully to insure one doesn’t kill the other. Aggression is also seen during spawning between the male and female and caution is also suggested here. The male may kill the female as well as other tank mates during this time as aggression levels run very high during spawning. A good ratio to attempt breeding would be 1 male to 3-4 females. The females will establish a hierarchy and the male will usually choose the highest ranking female to attempt breeding with. Though his focus will be primarily on the dominant female, he still will attack and chase the lower ranking females from time to time. This will help dilute the aggression as it’s spread between all of the females helping to insure a successful spawning as well as survival of the females. I always suggest having a spare tank that’s free of conspecifics on hand just in case aggression becomes life threatening. In general the Zonatus is fairly peaceful with non-conspecifics when not spawning so a spare tank with appropriate sized occupants can come in quite handy. It’s better to be safe than sorry. As for gender differences males are generally larger, thicker and deeper bodied than females. Dominant males will also develop a cranial hump and more pointed fins while a females will be rounded.