Marble Fenestratus Vieja (2.5”)

Scientific Name: Vieja fenestrata

Size & Lifespan

• Maximum Size: 12-14" for Males ~8-10" for Females

• Lifespan: Usually about 8-10 years in captivity, but can live longer under excellent care.

Recommended Aquarium Setup & Care

Tank Size

• Minimum: 75 gallon for a single adult

• 125-180 gallons + is recommended for a pair/Community setup

Substrate & Decor

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel, as they like to dig.

• Decor: Strongly secured rocks, bogwood, and caves. They rearrange the tank, so decor must be stable.

Water Conditions & Maintenance

• Temperature: 24–28 °C (76–82 °F), tolerates 23–30 °C (74–86 °F).

• pH: Neutral to alkaline, 7.0–8.4.

• Filtration: Strong filtration (canister or sump).

• Water Changes: Weekly changes of 30–50% are necessary to keep nitrates low and water clean.

Diet

• Natural Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae, aquatic vegetation, and invertebrates.

• In Captivity:

  • Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.

  • Supplement with spirulina flakes and algae wafers

  • Frozen Bloodworms and Shrimp

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in moderate amounts. Fast 1 day per week to avoid bloating

Tankmates & Behavior

• Temperament: Moderately aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding.

• Suitable Tankmates: Other Vieja, robust Central/South American cichlids, Armored Catfish and Plecos, Large Silver Dollars and Tinfoil Barbs

Breeding

• Breeding Method: Substrate spawner. Pairs clean a flat stone or surface for egg-laying.

• Eggs & Fry:

  • Eggs hatch in 2–3 days.

  • Fry become free-swimming after ~4 days.

  • Parents are attentive but very aggressive during this period.

• Feeding Fry: Start with newly hatched brine shrimp, microworms, or crushed flake food.

• Notes: Healthy pairs may spawn every few weeks. Fry should eventually be separated once parents’ aggression increases again.

Natural Habitat & Overview

• Range: Western Mexico, particularly rivers and lakes such as Papaloapán and Chachalacas drainages, and Lake Catemaco.

• Habitat: Slow-moving or still waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often with aquatic plants.

• Role in Nature: A bottom digger and grazer, feeding on plants and small organisms while reshaping its environment.