{"product_id":"red-tiger-mota-parachromis-motaguensis","title":"Red Tiger Mota - Parachromis motaguensis","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"565\"\u003eThe Parachromis motaguensis, commonly known as the Motaguensis Cichlid or Red Tiger Motaguensis, is a powerful and visually striking Central American cichlid admired for its bold coloration, predatory nature, and commanding presence. Native to rivers and lakes throughout Honduras and Guatemala, this species develops vibrant red, gold, and dark tiger-like patterning as it matures. Popular among experienced cichlid keepers, Parachromis motaguensis is best suited to large aquariums where its territorial behaviour and impressive size can be properly accommodated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1dpohzj\" data-start=\"567\" data-end=\"605\"\u003eFeatures of Parachromis motaguensis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"607\" data-end=\"961\"\u003e• Striking red, gold, and dark tiger-style patterning\u003cbr data-start=\"660\" data-end=\"663\"\u003e• Large predatory Central American cichlid\u003cbr data-start=\"705\" data-end=\"708\"\u003e• Grows to approximately 30–35 cm in length\u003cbr data-start=\"751\" data-end=\"754\"\u003e• Intelligent and highly interactive aquarium fish\u003cbr data-start=\"804\" data-end=\"807\"\u003e• Strong territorial behaviour, especially during breeding\u003cbr data-start=\"865\" data-end=\"868\"\u003e• Suitable for experienced aquarists\u003cbr data-start=\"904\" data-end=\"907\"\u003e• Impressive centrepiece species for large aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"vo0qjl\" data-start=\"963\" data-end=\"1016\"\u003eThe best aquarium size for Parachromis motaguensis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1018\" data-end=\"1442\"\u003eA minimum aquarium size of 600 litres is recommended for Parachromis motaguensis due to its adult size, activity level, and territorial nature. Larger aquariums are strongly preferred, particularly when housing pairs or compatible tank mates. Maintain water temperatures between 24–28°C with a pH range of 7.0–8.0. Stable water conditions and powerful filtration are essential to support this species’ high waste production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1pjfxi1\" data-start=\"1444\" data-end=\"1498\"\u003eTank Mate Compatibility for Parachromis motaguensis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1500\" data-end=\"1658\"\u003eParachromis motaguensis should only be housed with similarly sized and robust fish capable of handling its assertive temperament. Suitable tank mates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1762\"\u003e• Jack Dempsey Cichlid\u003cbr data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"1685\"\u003e• Jaguar Cichlid\u003cbr data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1704\"\u003e• Silver Arowana\u003cbr data-start=\"1720\" data-end=\"1723\"\u003e• Sailfin Pleco\u003cbr data-start=\"1738\" data-end=\"1741\"\u003e• Firemouth Cichlid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1764\" data-end=\"1848\"\u003eAvoid small community fish or timid species that may become stressed or preyed upon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"h4sdwm\" data-start=\"1850\" data-end=\"1885\"\u003eDiet for Parachromis motaguensis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"2342\"\u003eParachromis motaguensis are carnivorous predators that require a high-protein diet for healthy growth and coloration. High-quality cichlid pellets should form the staple diet, supplemented with prawns, earthworms, krill, whitebait, and frozen carnivore foods. Avoid feeding live feeder fish regularly, as they may introduce parasites and poor nutrition. Feed juveniles daily and adults once or twice daily in controlled portions to maintain water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"16qgkip\" data-start=\"2344\" data-end=\"2385\"\u003eAquarium Setup Parachromis motaguensis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1e9pcp\" data-start=\"2387\" data-end=\"2410\"\u003eAquarium Filtration\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2412\" data-end=\"2543\"\u003ePowerful biological and mechanical filtration is essential to manage waste and maintain stable water conditions in large aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"145mdx\" data-start=\"2545\" data-end=\"2564\"\u003eAquarium Plants\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2566\" data-end=\"2705\"\u003eMost live plants may be uprooted or damaged due to the fish’s digging behaviour. Hardy plants attached to décor may survive in some setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"ow76jj\" data-start=\"2707\" data-end=\"2728\"\u003eAquarium Lighting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2730\" data-end=\"2815\"\u003eModerate aquarium lighting is ideal and helps enhance the fish’s vibrant colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1xkk1qx\" data-start=\"2817\" data-end=\"2837\"\u003eAquarium Heating\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2839\" data-end=\"2922\"\u003eUse a high-quality aquarium heater to maintain stable temperatures between 24–28°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"equo9s\" data-start=\"2924\" data-end=\"2946\"\u003eAquarium Substrate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2948\" data-end=\"3045\"\u003eSand or fine gravel substrate is recommended, allowing natural digging and territorial behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1yoxb8w\" data-start=\"3047\" data-end=\"3071\"\u003eAquarium Decorations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3073\" data-end=\"3223\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eInclude large rocks, driftwood, caves, and open swimming areas to establish territories and provide shelter while maintaining adequate swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Coburg Aquarium","offers":[{"title":"5-7cm","offer_id":49123307782452,"sku":"A576","price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1561\/7366\/files\/CoburgAquarium1400x1000Parachromismotaguensis.jpg?v=1779534109","url":"https:\/\/coburgaquarium.com.au\/products\/red-tiger-mota-parachromis-motaguensis","provider":"Coburg Aquarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}