Vieja melanurus, quetzal cichlid, redhead cichlid or firehead cichlid inhabits slow-moving or standing waters such as rivers, lakes and lagoons; although primarily a freshwater fish, it may occur in slightly brackish habitats. It is almost entirely herbivorous, but may also take small animal prey. Adults are quite colourful cichlids with an orange to pinkish-red head, a body often displaying greenish, bluish, pink and golden-orange, and a horizontal black bar at the base of the tail.
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Size | Temperament |
| Veija Melanura | Synspilum cichlid | 350mm | Peacefull |
| Water Temperature | Water pH | Tank Size | Diet |
| 23-27°C | 7.0–8.0 | 500 litres | Herbivore |
| Lifespan | Care | Breeding ease | |
| 10-15 years | Easy | Challenged** |
You need a big tank, a compatible male and female, and you need the male and female to bond. Just because a male and female live in a tank together doesn't mean they'll spawn. You just put them together, and if they want to spawn, they will.
Keep in mind that these fish are hard to sex and the fish need to be old enough to spawn.