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

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.

It is native to slow-moving water and lakes of the Usumacinta river basin of western Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.

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. They can look similar to other Vieja species.