Redhead Cichlid: The Complete 2025 Guide to Care, Tank Setup, and Behavior

The Redhead Cichlid (Paraneetroplus synspilus) is an incredible freshwater fish featuring a bright red head and striking body patterns. This species enjoys being popular among aquarium hobbyists because of its unique personality, intelligence, and semi-aggressive behavior.

If you want a bold and colorful fish to join your tank, the Redhead Cichlid is a great pick. Learn everything about Redhead Cichlid care, tank setup, diet, behavior, and breeding in 2025. A complete guide with expert tips to help your fish thrive.

Redhead Cichlid Bio Table

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Paraneetroplus synspilus
Common Names	Redhead Cichlid, Vieja synspila
Family	Cichlidae
Origin	Central America (Mexico, Belize, Guatemala)
Lifespan	10-15 years
Maximum Size	14 inches (35 cm)
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
Diet	Omnivore
Water Temperature	75-82°F (24-28°C)
pH Level	6.5-7.5
Water Hardness	5-15 dGH
Minimum Tank Size	75 gallons for one, 125+ gallons for a pair
Best Tank Mates	Large cichlids, plecos, catfish
Bad Tank Mates	Small fish, delicate species, overly aggressive fish

Redhead Cichlid Natural Habitat and Social Behavior

Redhead Cichlid originates from slow rivers and lakes found in Central America. The water is warm, somewhat acidic, and rich in rocks and caves where the fish take cover.

Redhead Cichlid Social Behavior

Intelligent and curious – They are able to recognize their owners and play with them.

Territorial – Males in particular defend their territory.

Semi-aggressive – They can coexist with fish of the same size but may bully smaller fish.

Active swimmers – They like digging and wandering in the substrate.

Pairs bond strongly – Pairs are protective of their fry.

Redhead Cichlid Ideal Water Parameters

To keep your Redhead Cichlid alive, you should maintain good water conditions:

Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)

pH Level: 6.5-7.5

Water Hardness: 5-15 dGH

Ammonia & Nitrites: 0 ppm

Nitrates: Less than 20 ppm

Filtration: Strong filtration required to maintain water purity

Water Changes: 20-30% weekly

Redhead Cichlid Best Tank Mates

Being semi-aggressive, Redhead Cichlids need strong, same-sized tank mates capable of tolerating their dominance. Some good ones include:

Oscar Fish – Same temperament and size.

Jack Dempsey Cichlid – Tolerant of aggression.

Green Terror Cichlid – Will be compatible with sufficient space.

Plecos – Will clean algae and don’t bother cichlids.

Catfish (e.g., Synodontis species) – Bottom fish that coexist peacefully.

Redhead Cichlid Bad Tank Mates

Don’t house Redhead Cichlids with dainty, fragile, or overly aggressive fish:

Neon Tetras & Guppies – Too small and will be eaten by the cichlids.

Angelfish & Discus – Too fragile and will get bullied by cichlids.

Goldfish – Need cooler water and another diet.

Flowerhorns & Wolf Cichlids – Too aggressive and will fight.

Tank Setup for Redhead Cichlids

Accurate aquarium setup is essential to their health and well-being.

1. Tank Size & Equipment

Minimum of 75 gallons for a single fish.

For a pair, minimum of 125 gallons.

Heavy filtration to handle waste.

Heater to provide stable temperature.

Aeration for healthy oxygen.

2. Substrate & Decorations

Sand or fine gravel simulates their natural habitat.

Rocks, caves, and driftwood for hiding.

Live plants can be done but can be rooted.

Avoid sharp objects that can hurt them.

3. Lighting & Maintenance

Moderate lighting is ideal.

Do weekly water changes in order to maintain good water quality.

Monitor pH and nitrogen levels with test kits.

Redhead Cichlid Diet and Feeding

Redhead Cichlids are omnivorous, therefore they eat plant and animal foods. Balanced diet keeps them colorful and healthy.

Best Foods for Redhead Cichlids

High-quality cichlid pellets as staple.

Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and crickets.

Spinach, peas, and zucchini vegetables.

Occasional treats of shrimp or tiny fish.

Don’t use feeder fish to prevent disease.

Feed them twice a day and remove uneaten food to maintain water quality.

Breeding Redhead Cichlids

Breeding Redhead Cichlids can be an extremely rewarding experience for aquarists.

1. Creating a Breeding Environment

Use a dedicated breeding tank of a minimum capacity of 75 gallons.

Keep water temperature at approximately 80°F.

Substrate flat rocks or caves lightly to provide sites for egg-laying.

2. Pair Bonding and Spawning

Bonded male and female will sweep a surface clean before spawning eggs.

Female spawns 200-500 eggs.

Parents will guard eggs and fry.

3. Fry Care

Fry will hatch in 3-4 days.

Once free-swimming, feed on baby brine shrimp.

More frequent water changes will be necessary for growth.

Redhead Cichlid Common Diseases and Prevention

Like all fish, Redhead Cichlids are susceptible to disease.

Ich (White Spot Disease):

Treat with higher temperature and medication.

Fin Rot:

Improve water quality and use antibacterial treatments.

Hole in the Head Disease:

Prevent with a vitamin-enriched diet and clean water.

Conclusion

The Redhead Cichlid is a beautiful and bold fish that requires good care, a large tank, and suitable tank mates. If provided with the right environment, they can live up to 10-15 years and be the centerpiece of your aquarium. If you are an experienced aquarist, the Redhead Cichlid is a wonderful addition to your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)