Paraguay Mouthbrooder (Bujurquina vittata)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Native to the Paraná and Paraguay River basins (Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina). Inhabits moderate current areas rich in wood and smooth rocks.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Bujurquina Vittata. Medium-sized South American cichlid (10-12 cm / 4-4.7 inches). Until a few decades ago mistakenly placed in the Aequidens genus. The forehead of adult males becomes protruding and stocky.

Social Behavior: Relatively peaceful but territorial. Outside the reproductive period it is shy and tolerant; during brood care it becomes a fighter that fearlessly attacks larger fish.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Silvery-gray coat spotted by a clear and thick curved band ("vittata") that starts from the nape to end on the rear flank. Fins often pinkish. Larger males with very elongated and pointed dorsal and anal fins.

Aquarium Setup: At least 100-120 cm (40-48 inches). Requires fine sand on the bottom and smooth rounded stones the size of a fist, or large leaves, fundamental for their unique reproductive habits.

Diet and Feeding: Robust omnivore. Does not eat plants but digs. Provide a balanced diet with protein granules for cichlids, chopped earthworms, krill and vegetable supplements (peas, spirulina).

Water Quality: Being native also to northern Argentina, it withstands cool temperatures (22-26°C / 71-79°F) and seasonal fluctuations better than equatorial Amazonian cichlids. pH 6.0-7.5, medium or low hardness.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Coexists with robust South American Characins (Buenos Aires Tetras), large Corydoras or peaceful Plecostomus. Avoid pairing with Apistogramma or Ramirezi, which would be territorially overwhelmed.

Aquarium Reproduction: Their most amazing trait: they are *late biparental mouthbrooders*. They lay on a movable stone or leaf (which they drag away if threatened). After hatching, BOTH the male and female take turns taking the larvae in their mouths to incubate them for another two weeks.

Risks and Diseases: Very robust species, but prone to "Hole in the Head" (Hexamita) if fed with beef hearts or overly polluting foods in waters lacking water changes.