Origin
Native to freshwater lakes and rivers of Nicaragua and Honduras, especially Lake Managua and surrounding lowland drainages.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Silvery-gold base with bold, irregular black spots and bars that resemble a jaguar’s rosettes. Males can grow over 16 inches and exhibit metallic sheen and extended fins. Known for intelligence and territorial aggression.

Purpose
Serves as a solo showpiece or breeding display cichlid. Offers nonstop movement, bold interaction with viewers, and complex spawning behavior.

Importance
Highly sought after for its dramatic appearance and personality. Offers a glimpse into apex predator dynamics in a freshwater setting. Demands respect and attention to setup.

Included Resources
Requires powerful filtration, heavy décor (rocks, driftwood), and open territory. Must have a secure lid. Strong heaters and consistent water parameters are essential.

Best Use Cases
Perfect for species-only tanks, predator-themed setups, or public aquarium displays. Can be paired with other large, aggressive cichlids in massive systems (180 gal+).

Conservation Context
Not endangered but vulnerable to habitat degradation in native range. Widely bred in captivity, which reduces wild harvesting pressure.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Other Parachromis (with caution)
• Large catfish (e.g., Pimelodus, Pseudoplatystoma)
• Silver dollars (in large tanks)
• Plecos (robust species only)

Region (A)
• Latitude: 12.1578° N
• Longitude: -86.2514° W
(Lake Managua, Nicaragua)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 14.1000° N
• Longitude: -87.2167° W
(Río Ulúa drainage, Honduras)