Redhead Cichlid Vieja synspila (Vieja melanura/Paraneetroplus synspilus/Cichlasoma synspilum)

Redhead Cichlid
Redhead Cichlid
Redhead Cichlid
The Redhead Cichlid of Central America goes by several other names, both common and scientific. It is also called the Firehead and Quetzal Cichlid. Its scientific names appear to include: Vieja melanura, Cichlasoma/Vieja synspilum/synspillum, and even Paraneetroplus synspilus.
Redhead Cichlid
Redhead Cichlid
Redhead Cichlid
It is native to slow-moving water and lakes of the Usumacinta river basin of western Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.
Redhead Cichlid
Redhead Cichlid melanura
Redhead Cichlid
The larger, more colourful males are moderately aggressive, reach a length of 35cm and sometimes develop a "nuchal" hump. Males can have turquoise, blue, green, white, orange, pink and yellow body colours, usually with a pinky red head.
Redhead Cichlid They can look similar to other Vieja species.
Redhead or Blackbelt Cichlid This one could be a Blackbelt, V. maculicauda, with broken belt, but tail doesn't seem red enough.
Redhead or Twoband Cichlid These could be Twobands, V. bifasciata, but the face bands are indistinct.