Silver Cichlid (Maskaheros argenteus)

Remarks: Silver Cichlids (Maskaheros argenteus), formerly Vieja argentea, are large cichlids native to Mexico. They are primarily herbivorous and should not be fed a diet high in animal protein, but they will readily accept most prepared foods in the aquarium. Tanks should be furnished with rocks and driftwood, but plants are likely to be torn up or moved.  They seem to do best when kept with non-cichlids such as large livebearers or characins. Similarly-colored or shaped fish will be attacked. In tanks smaller than 200-300 gallons, it is advised to only keep one of these species, or perhaps a pair if they do not kill each other.  Scientific Name: Maskaheros argenteus Common Name: Silver Cichlid Max Size: 12" pH: 6.0-8.0 Hardness: Hard Temperature: 70-82° Aggressiveness: Aggressive Region of Origin: Central America Captive Bred or Wild: Captive Bred Diet: Flake or pellet, frozen and live food Compatibility: Alone, in pairs, or with similarly sized Central or South American cichlids Tan