Jaguar Cichlid

Parachromis managuensis

Jaguar Cichlid (Parachromis managuensis) — Intermediate care, Aggressive, under Cichlid. Minimum tank in the app: 159 US gal min; aim for 77–86°F and pH 7–8. Details below match the app.

Jaguar Cichlid (Parachromis managuensis) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelIntermediate
TemperamentAggressive
Min tank size159 US gal min
pH range7–8
Temperature77–86°F
Max size21.7 in (55.0 cm)
Captive lifespan10–15 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Central America

  • Central America & Mexico

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Jaguar Cichlid Tank Setup

Plan for at least 159 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 77–86°F and pH 7–8 without daily drama. These fish use the Mid/Bottom zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Jaguar Cichlids Eat?

We record diet as Carnivore (live foods). Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Jaguar Cichlid Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Aggressive. Flagged as a fin nipper, so long flowing fins and slow targets are a poor match. Treat small tank mates as potential snacks once the fish grows. Large aggressive predator; will eat fish up to half its body size. Needs very large tank. Keep alone or with mate. Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Jaguar Cichlids Good for Beginners?

We rate this as intermediate. Budget time for testing, maintenance, and watching behaviour if the water looks fine but the fish do not. If this would be your very first tank, start with something more forgiving and come back to this one.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.