The Mayan Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and highly adaptable Central American cichlid (frequently confused with the True Red Terror). They are euryhaline, meaning they thrive in pure freshwater but can also easily tolerate brackish conditions. Known for their striking vertical bars and a distinct tail spot (ocellus), they demand spacious aquariums with robust filtration due to their heavy bioload and earth-moving habits.
Mayan Cichlid At a Glance
Mayan Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Mayan Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Mayan Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Mayan Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Mayan Cichlid Water Parameters
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Mayan Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Mayan Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
Adult Mayan Cichlids are formidable tank bosses capable of reaching up to 10-12 inches (or more) in captivity. They require significant territory and will routinely rearrange the aquarium substrate. Best kept singly, as a confirmed mated pair, or with other large, robust Central American cichlids in massive tanks.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Mayan, Full Grown
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juveniles are commonly sold around 2-3 inches. They can temporarily be housed in smaller aquariums but grow very rapidly. While slightly less aggressive at this stage, they are highly opportunistic and will eat anything that fits in their mouths.
Differs in 6 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Mayan, Juvenile
Mayan Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Mayan Cichlid, scientifically known as Mayaheros urophthalmus, 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 Mayan Cichlid requires a brackish tolerant aquarium with a minimum volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8.5 and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Mayan Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Adult) 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.
Mayan Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Mayan 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 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.
Mayan Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Mayan Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten 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.
Mayan Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Mayan Cichlid.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mayan Cichlid
How big does Mayan Cichlid get?
Mayan Cichlid (Mayaheros urophthalmus) 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 Mayan Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Mayan Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Mayan Cichlid need?
Mayan Cichlid thrives in brackish tolerant conditions with a temperature range of 22–30°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Mayan Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Mayan Cichlid is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 8 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Mayan Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Mayan Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Mayan Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Mayan Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters) and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Mayan Cichlid
These plants pair well with Mayan 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 Mayan Cichlid
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.
Midas Cichlid
Amphilophus citrinellus
A massive, powerful Central American cichlid famous for its extreme intelligence, interactive 'wet pet' behavior, and intense aggression. Often confused with the Red Devil, the Midas Cichlid is a bulky, earth-eating predator that requires a very large tank, immense filtration, and is notorious for aggressively attacking tank mates, heaters, and even its owner's hands.
Macaw Cichlid
Hypsophrys nicaraguensis
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.
Red Terror (Festa's Cichlid)
Mesoheros festae
A massive, apex-predator South American cichlid. Known as the 'Red Terror' due to its absolute intolerance of tank mates and extreme territorial aggression. They are powerful 'glass-bangers' that will uproot plants, rearrange decor, and kill fish of similar or even larger size. Best kept completely alone or as a strictly bonded pair in a massive aquarium.
Parrot Cichlid
Hoplarchus psittacus
The 'True' Parrot Cichlid is a large, stunning South American species known for its brilliant emerald green coloration and distinctive dark facial markings. It should NOT be confused with the man-made 'Blood Parrot' hybrid. Originating from blackwater rivers, it is highly sensitive to water quality and requires pristine, warm, soft, and acidic water. Due to its massive adult size, it requires a massive aquarium and will consume any fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Chuco Cichlid
Chuco godmanni
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.