{"product_id":"redhead-synspilum-cichlid-vieja-synspila","title":"Redhead Synspilum Cichlid – Vieja synspila","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Redhead Synspilum Cichlid (Vieja synspila) is a bold Central American cichlid admired for its bright red to orange head, shimmering silver-green body, and impressive adult size. As this fish matures, its coloration can intensify, making it a true showpiece for large freshwater cichlid aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRedhead Synspilums are intelligent, active, and full of personality. They are best suited for intermediate to experienced aquarists who can provide a spacious aquarium, strong filtration, stable water quality, and carefully selected tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBright red to orange head coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIridescent silver-green body\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge Central American showpiece cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntelligent and interactive aquarium fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest for spacious cichlid aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommended for intermediate to experienced hobbyists\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vieja synspila\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Redhead Synspilum Cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Central America, Mexico region\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate to advanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive; may become territorial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 10–12 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75 gallons minimum; 125+ gallons preferred for adults or tankmate setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Midwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0–8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate to hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose a Redhead Synspilum?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRedhead Synspilums are a great choice for cichlid keepers who want a large, colorful fish with strong personality. Their red-orange head and metallic silver-green body create a striking display, especially as the fish matures and develops deeper color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species brings movement, size, and character to the aquarium, but it is not a small community fish. A properly sized setup with strong filtration, durable decor, and compatible tankmates is important for long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal Tank Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRedhead Synspilum Cichlids do best in large aquariums with strong filtration, regular water changes, open swimming space, and sturdy decor. Rock structures, caves, driftwood, and secure hardscape help create territory boundaries and reduce stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause this species may dig, move substrate, or rearrange decor, use stable rockwork and avoid fragile aquascapes. Live plants may be uprooted, so hardy plants attached to wood or rock are usually a better choice than delicate rooted plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther large Central American cichlids with caution\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger South American cichlids with proper space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobust, similarly sized semi-aggressive fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge Plecos with hiding areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge catfish species with proper tank size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther sturdy fish too large to be eaten or bullied\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTankmates to Avoid\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall fish that may be eaten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShrimp and small invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDelicate or shy community fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong-finned fish that may be nipped\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery aggressive fish that may cause serious injury\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFish that require soft, acidic, or very different water conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRedhead Synspilum Cichlids are omnivores and should be offered a varied, high-quality diet. Feed quality cichlid pellets as the staple food, along with spirulina foods, vegetable-based foods, blanched vegetables, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and other appropriate frozen foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVegetable-based foods are important for Vieja-type cichlids and can help support digestion, color, and long-term health. Avoid overfeeding and remove uneaten food to help maintain water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a 75 gallon or larger aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlan for a large adult fish before purchase\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide strong filtration and regular water changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd rocks, caves, driftwood, and sturdy hiding areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeave open swimming space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose tankmates carefully\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed a varied diet with both protein and vegetable-based foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonitor territorial behavior as the fish matures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big do Redhead Synspilum Cichlids get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRedhead Synspilum Cichlids typically reach approximately 10–12 inches in captivity with proper care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Redhead Synspilum Cichlids aggressive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are semi-aggressive and may become territorial, especially as adults or during breeding. Proper tank size, decor, and tankmate selection are important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Redhead Synspilums change color as they mature?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Their red-orange head and body coloration can intensify as they mature, especially with good water quality and a varied diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Redhead Synspilum Cichlids beginner-friendly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are best suited for intermediate to experienced aquarists because they grow large, need strong filtration, and require careful tankmate planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size tank does a Redhead Synspilum need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA 75 gallon aquarium is the minimum starting point, while 125 gallons or larger is preferred for adults or setups with tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do Redhead Synspilum Cichlids eat?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey eat quality cichlid pellets, spirulina foods, vegetable-based foods, blanched vegetables, frozen foods, and other varied prepared foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Redhead Synspilums live with small fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Small fish may be eaten or bullied, so tankmates should be similarly sized, sturdy, and compatible with semi-aggressive cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these fish available for shipping?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRedhead Synspilum Cichlids are bold Central American cichlids for large freshwater aquariums and experienced hobbyists who enjoy colorful fish with personality. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop cichlids, Central American cichlids, large freshwater fish, fish food, filtration supplies, aquarium decor, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53229031784661,"sku":null,"price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/images_1_5622989f-0a73-42eb-8d65-e225e272a834.jpg?v=1784404398","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/redhead-synspilum-cichlid-vieja-synspila","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}