Vieja Synspilum

Vieja Synspilum, also known as the Redhead Cichlid, Synspilum Cichlid, or Vieja Synspila, is one of many fish species native to Guatemala that belongs to the cichlid family.

Vieja Synspilum (Redhead Cichlid) is native to South America’s Amazon river basin and can be found in Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela, as well as the coastal Atlantic waters of Pará state in northern Brazil.

Vieja Synspilum should not be confused with other cichlids such as the copper-red cichlid or the red devil cichlid.

It is also known as the Golden Cichlid ans is one of the most beautiful cichlids available in the aquarium trade today, measuring around 40-42 cm in length. Its bright golden colour and ease of care make it popular among aquarium enthusiasts and hobbyists alike. Despite its popularity, the Redhead Cichlid is still shrouded in mystery regarding its natural habitat and proper care requirements in captivity.

The redhead cichlid is a tropical freshwater fish named after its colour. It goes by several names, including redheaded hermit, redstripe hermit, and simply redstriped cichlid. The scientific name Vieja synspilum means “putting two together,” referring to how it feeds.

Vieja synspilum (also known as redhead cichlid, Mexican Viejo, ojo de liebre, or yellow-eyed pleco) is a stunning freshwater fish from South America. It is not an aggressive fish and can be kept in community aquariums alongside other non-aggressive fish of comparable size. An average adult can grow to be 42 cm long and live for about 7 years.

II. You would love the fish because…

Vieja Synspilum is a species of fish in the cichlidae family. It gets its common name, redhead cichlid, from the bright red colour on its forehead. Its native range includes Central America and Mexico. The wild population of Vieja synsipilum is endangered because it is found only in one lake in northern Guatemala.

Captive populations, on the other hand, have thrived for more than two decades due to extensive breeding efforts by hobbyists. As a result, it has been added to Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Vieja synsipilum is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN due to environmental degradation and overharvesting for the aquarium trade.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

Vieja Synspilum is a tranquil cichlid. It can live in tanks with larger fish, such as peacocks, but it will need plenty of room to avoid being eaten. The best way to ensure a redhead’s longevity and health is to keep it alone in a tank large enough for it to swim around in.

IV. Species compatibility

Tropical fish that have been bred in captivity are typically found in beginner fish tanks. Vieja synspilum are less aggressive than wild-caught fish, but certain varieties can still be dangerous to others even among captive-bred specimens. Redheads are usually kept with other African cichlids. Because these fish are known to be aggressive toward one another, tank mates should be carefully chosen.

Silver dollars, Angelfish, Jack Dempsey, Convict cichlids, and Texas cichlids are some of the best tank mates. When a redhead attacks, these fish will be able to hold their own. Angelfish, catfish, and flatfish species may also provide some success.

V. How to feed this species?

Vieja Synspilum is an omnivore, meaning it eats both meat and vegetables. The most effective diet includes high-quality pellets, frozen foods that mimic natural prey, and live foods like brine shrimp or daphnia. One of the simplest ways to keep your fish healthy is to feed them only live food. A diverse diet is essential for all species, especially if you have more than one in your tank.