Mayan cichlid
A hardy cichlid from Mesoamerica with a distinctive tail spot.
The Mayan cichlid is a robust freshwater and brackish fish native to tropical Middle America. It thrives in varied conditions, from marshes to coastal lagoons, and tolerates low oxygen. This species is valued as food in its home range but is an invasive pest in Florida.
- Reaches a maximum length of 39.4 cm
- Survives virtual anoxia for up to two hours
- Tolerates salinity from 0 to 40 ppt
- Guards fry for up to six weeks
- Invasive in South Florida since 1983
What it is
This fish is a large member of the cichlid family. Its body is oval and flattened laterally, with a head that tapers toward the mouth. The fins are spiny. Most individuals display a yellow-brown or gray-brown base colour. During breeding, this shifts to an intense red, particularly on the head and throat. Six wide, dark vertical stripes cross the sides. A prominent black spot ringed with blue-green sits on the tail stem, giving the species its scientific name.
Where it lives
Native to the Atlantic slope of tropical Mesoamerica, this species ranges from eastern Mexico south to Nicaragua. It inhabits diverse waters including marshes, mangrove swamps, lakes, rivers, and coastal lagoons. Unusually, it also lives in cenotes on the Yucatán Peninsula. In 1983, it was recorded in Everglades National Park, Florida. It is now a common non-native fish in South Florida, thriving in both fresh and marine-influenced environments.
How it lives
The Mayan cichlid is site tenacious, meaning it stays within a home range rather than migrating. It tolerates a wide temperature span, preferring warm water between 28 and 33 degrees Celsius. This fish is euryhaline, surviving salinity levels from fresh to full seawater. It can endure extreme low oxygen by reducing activity. As a dietary generalist, it eats plants, algae, detritus, snails, crustaceans, insects, and smaller fish. Its jaw structure allows it to catch evasive prey effectively.
Breeding and life cycle
These fish are monogamous and form strong pair bonds during spawning. They are substrate spawners, laying eggs on surfaces which they guard aggressively. Both parents care for the young, protecting fry for up to six weeks. In Mexico, spawning occurs from March to November, peaking in the wet season when water temperatures exceed 24 degrees Celsius. Multiple broods are raised annually. Newly hatched fry swim downward and attach to the bottom using mucous glands.
Fish and people
In its native range, this cichlid supports regional fisheries and aquaculture as a popular food source. Wild specimens show brighter red colours than captive ones, which can be enhanced with vitamin-rich diets. It is one of the most studied Neotropical cichlids, particularly in southeastern Mexico. Conversely, Thailand prohibits its import and possession due to invasive risks. In Florida, it is considered an established non-indigenous species that competes with native wildlife.
Questions people ask about Mayan cichlid
Can Mayan cichlids live in saltwater?
Yes, they are euryhaline and can survive in salinity ranging from fresh water to 40 parts per thousand. They tolerate abrupt salinity increases and are often found in coastal lagoons and estuaries.
What do Mayan cichlids eat?
They are dietary generalists. Their diet includes plant matter, algae, detritus, snails, crustaceans, insects, and smaller fish. They require a significant proportion of animal prey to avoid malnourishment.
Are Mayan cichlids good parents?
Yes, they are biparental and highly protective. Both parents guard the substrate-spawned eggs and care for the fry for up to six weeks, showing extreme territorial aggression during this period.
Where are Mayan cichlids native to?
They are native to the Atlantic slope of tropical Mesoamerica, ranging from eastern Mexico down to Nicaragua. They inhabit freshwater marshes, rivers, and coastal areas in this region.
Good reading and sources
- Mayaheros urophthalmus on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Mayaheros urophthalmus", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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