The Chuco Cichlid (formerly Vieja godmanni or Theraps godmanni) is a large, deep-bodied Central American cichlid native to the fast-flowing mountain rivers of Guatemala. They are highly territorial, robust, and known to redecorate their tanks by digging and uprooting plants. Due to their riverine origins, they require exceptionally high oxygen levels, vigorous water flow, and pristine water conditions. They specialize in eating fresh vegetation in the wild but are voracious omnivores in captivity.
Chuco Cichlid At a Glance
Chuco Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Chuco Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Chuco Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Chuco Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Chuco Cichlid Water Parameters
Water care products
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Chuco Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Chuco Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult (Standard)
Fully grown adult Chuco Cichlid. They are highly territorial and generally intolerant of other large cichlids unless kept in a massive aquarium. Best kept solitary or as a confirmed pair.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult, Show Size, Wild Type
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young specimens typically sold in the hobby. While less aggressive at this stage, they grow rapidly and are heavy eaters. They will eventually require a 450L+ aquarium as they mature.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Juvenile
Chuco Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Chuco Cichlid, scientifically known as Chuco godmanni, belongs to the Cichlids - Central American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 28 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Chuco Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 450 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7–8 and a general hardness of 10–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Chuco Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Adult (Standard) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Chuco Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Chuco Cichlid, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Chuco Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Chuco Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Chuco Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Chuco Cichlid.
Chuco Cichlid Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Chuco Cichlid will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
Feeding products
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chuco Cichlid
How big does Chuco Cichlid get?
Chuco Cichlid (Chuco godmanni) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 28 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Chuco Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 450 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Chuco Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Chuco Cichlid need?
Chuco Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7 and 8, and a general hardness of 10–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Chuco Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Chuco Cichlid is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Chuco Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Chuco Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Chuco Cichlid safe with shrimp?
No. Chuco Cichlid is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Chuco Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Chuco Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Chuco Cichlid
These plants pair well with Chuco Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Fish Similar to Chuco Cichlid
Apistogramma viejita
Apistogramma viejita
A striking South American dwarf cichlid native to the Orinoco River basin. True A. viejita are extremely rare in the hobby; most sold under this name are A. macmasteri or hybrids. They are substrate-sifters that absolutely require sand to prevent gill damage. While generally peaceful in a community setting, they become fiercely territorial during breeding.
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
Altolamprologus compressiceps
A highly specialized, predatory African Cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It features an extremely laterally compressed (paper-thin) body and steep forehead, designed to slip into narrow rocky crevices to hunt fry and invertebrates. They are notorious for their very slow growth rate and heavily 'armored' scales.
Buffalo Head Cichlid
Steatocranus casuarius
A highly unique, riverine cichlid native to the fast-flowing rapids of the Congo River. It possesses a reduced swim bladder, meaning it 'hops' or 'jerks' along the bottom rather than swimming freely in the water column. Unlike Rift Lake African cichlids, it requires softer, neutral-to-acidic water and exceptionally high oxygenation/flow. They form strong monogamous pairs.
Chocolate Cichlid
Hypselecara temporalis
A large, deep-bodied South American cichlid famous for its 'gentle giant' temperament. They undergo significant color changes as they mature, eventually displaying rich chocolate browns, greens, and vibrant reds. Though peaceful for their size, they are still cichlids and will consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouths.
Black Belt Cichlid
Vieja maculicauda
A large, powerful, and strikingly colored Central American cichlid known for the distinctive vertical black band across its midsection and vivid red flushing on its throat and tail. They are highly territorial, aggressive, and notorious for re-arranging the aquarium. They are primarily herbivorous in the wild but will eat almost anything, including smaller fish. They cannot be kept in planted tanks.
Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
The Texas Cichlid is the only cichlid species native to the United States. Known for their striking pearlescent blue/green spots and extreme territorial behavior, they require large tanks and robust filtration. They are notorious for rearranging aquariums, digging massive pits, and destroying live plants.