Nicaragua Cichlid Care Guide

Nicaragua Cichlid (Hypsophrys nicaraguensis) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 75 gallons and 72-82°F. A hardy Central American cichlid with a tan to yellow body and dark bars, the male growing a pronounced forehead. It is one of the calmer large cichlids, but it will claim a territory and eat small tankmates, so choose fish of similar size.

Care facts at a glance

Quick tips

• Provide caves and open swimming space.
• Do not keep with fish small enough to swallow.
• Use strong filtration and regular large water changes.

San Diego water

Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.

Before you buy

Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.