Resembling a Jaguar's pelt, the yellow-bronze scales, with their black markings give the adult Parachromis managuense its common name, the Jaguar Cichlid. As juveniles, they have a pale goldish-silver hue, with large dark bands wrapping around the back of the fish stoping somewhere around the lateral line. Jaguars have a distinct profile with an elongated oval shaped body and spiny rays extending outward to support the fins. Their dorsal and tail fins are quite prominent and take on a menacing look thanks to the spines. Another distinct predatory feature of this fish is that their lower jaw extends beyond the upper and, when feeding, their jaws can protrude as much as 90% of their mouth's length. Quite a sight to see. This fish has a fierce personality to match its profile. Prone to aggression they can also reach up to 14 - 16 inched (females are smaller than the males) and have an average lifespan of about 15 years. A feisty and stunningly beautiful fish, it is not for the faint of heart. Water Conditions: 7 - 8.7 pH 73 - 82 F 10 - 15 KH Breeding: Captive bred on our farm.
