A robust and stunning Central American cichlid. Uniquely among many cichlids, the females are actually more vibrantly colored than the males. They are notorious diggers and cave-spawners that will rearrange substrate. Best kept with other similarly sized, robust Central American cichlids in a large tank.
Macaw Cichlid At a Glance
Macaw Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Macaw Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Macaw Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Macaw Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Macaw Cichlid Water Parameters
Water care products
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Macaw Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Macaw Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males grow significantly larger than females and develop a prominent nuchal hump on their head as they mature. While beautiful, they lack the intense neon coloration of the females. Highly territorial.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Male Macaw, Adult Male
Female
Females are smaller but display incredible, intense neon greens, blues, and golds. They lack the nuchal hump. Often considered the preferred showpiece due to their striking colors.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Macaw, Female Nicaraguense
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young, unsexed Macaw Cichlids. Often sold at 2-3 inches. They grow very rapidly and will soon require a massive aquarium to handle their territorial nature and waste output.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Macaw, Unsexed, Juvenile Nicaraguense
Macaw Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Macaw Cichlid, scientifically known as Hypsophrys nicaraguensis, belongs to the Cichlids - Central American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 25 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 high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Macaw Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7–8.5 and a general hardness of 10–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Macaw Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male, Female, 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.
Macaw Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Macaw Cichlid, a moderate 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, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. 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.
Macaw Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Macaw Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, 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.
Macaw Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Macaw Cichlid.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Feeding products
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Frequently Asked Questions About Macaw Cichlid
How big does Macaw Cichlid get?
Macaw Cichlid (Hypsophrys nicaraguensis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 25 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Macaw Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Macaw Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Macaw Cichlid need?
Macaw Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 7 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 10–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Macaw Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Macaw Cichlid is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Macaw Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Macaw Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Macaw Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Macaw Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), 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 Macaw Cichlid
These plants pair well with Macaw Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Macaw Cichlid
Pastel Cichlid
Cribroheros alfari
A strikingly beautiful Central American cichlid known for its pastel yellow, pink, and blue iridescent coloration. It is a substrate-sifting species that loves to dig in sand. Like many Central American cichlids, it can be highly territorial and aggressive, especially during breeding. Requires robust filtration and spacious quarters.
Red Devil Cichlid
Amphilophus labiatus
A massive, extremely aggressive Central American cichlid. Aptly named, the Red Devil is highly intelligent, interactive, and famous for 'glass-banging' at their owners. They are powerful diggers that will uproot plants and rearrange decor. Because of their sheer aggression and jaw strength, they are almost exclusively kept as 'wet pets' in solitary setups.
Featherfin Cichlid
Cyathopharynx furcifer
A spectacular Lake Tanganyika cichlid known for its dramatic sexual dimorphism. Males display brilliant metallic hues (blues, greens, or coppers depending on collection point) and possess sweeping, elongated pelvic 'feather' fins. Males build enormous crater-like sand bowers to attract females. Because of this bower-building behavior and their high activity level, footprint (length and width) is far more critical than tank height.
Nyererei Victorian Cichlid
Pundamilia nyererei
A strikingly colorful but highly aggressive cichlid native to Lake Victoria. Known for their brilliant reds, yellows, and black vertical barring (in males). They require rocky setups, hard alkaline water, and strict harem ratios (one male to multiple females) to disperse severe male aggression. They act very similar to Mbuna in the aquarium.
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.
Jack Dempsey
Rocio octofasciata
A robust, highly territorial Central American cichlid named after the aggressive 1920s boxer, William 'Jack' Dempsey. They exhibit beautiful iridescent blue, green, and gold spangling over a dark background. As aggressive diggers and plant destroyers, they require a tank with sturdy decor. They are best kept as a single wet pet or in a large tank with other similarly sized, robust Central American cichlids.