Vieja Zonatus Cichlid

Vieja Zonatus Cichlid

While temperament can vary highly from individual to individual as well as be affected by environment, there are certain general behavior characteristics that the vast majority of individuals will fall under. In general Zonatus are highly aggressive with conspecific’s even attacking larger fish that enter into their perceived territory. It’s also not uncommon for Zonatus to consider the whole tank their territory. Being highly aggressive toward conspecific’s if you attempt a community with conspecifics great care must be taken. Use as large a tank as possible, supply ample hiding spaces, use decor to try to establish defined territories and observe carefully to insure one doesn’t kill the other. Aggression is also seen during spawning between the male and female and caution is also suggested here. The male may kill the female as well as other tankmates during this time as aggression levels run very high during spawning.