Silver Cichlid (Maskaheros argenteus)

A large growing, spectacularly colored Central American Cichlid, the Argentea or Silver Cichlid is native to the Atlantic coastal drainage of Mexico, where it is typically found in riverine habitat. Like many of its close relatives in Central America, this species is threatened by habitat degradation and competition from nonnative species but has been bred commercially for the aquarium hobby for many years. In the aquarium, they are an aggressive, boisterous fish that requires plenty of open swimming space as well as lots of cover. They are sensitive to water quality so frequent large water changes should be considered essential to long term success with this species.