Freshwater Fish
Managuense Cichlid (Jaguar Cichlid).
The jaguar cichlid — a large predatory fish patterned in black rosettes over gold. Powerful and aggressive, it's best kept alone or with equally tough fish in a 125-gallon-plus tank. A serious fish for a keeper who wants a real predator centerpiece.
We keep this species at our Erie store. Come and see it in the tanks, or call (814) 456-9445 and ask what we have in right now.
Sea Cave keeps this species. You will find these in the tanks at 660 East 14th Street in Erie. We never ship live animals.
- Condition
- new
- Fulfillment
- Local pickup — Erie, PA
We never ship fish, coral, or invertebrates — every animal here is one you meet in person. Each one is acclimated and health-checked in-house before it goes out into the display tanks. This is a species we keep, and what is swimming on any given day changes with the deliveries, so please call (814) 456-9445 before you drive in.
Care at a glance
What to know before you take one home.
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Community
- Species only
- Adult size
- 20"
- Min tank size
- 55–125 gal by age
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Scientific name
- Parachromis managuensis
Grows into its tank
Juvenile (up to ~6 in)55 galAdult (12+ in)125 galGood tank mates
Aggressive and best kept species-only or with equally tough fish, so this is not for a peaceful community tank. Pair it only with large cichlids or sturdy fish that can hold their own at similar size, and expect to provide a big tank with territory for each. When in doubt, keep it alone, and never house it with anything small enough to eat. Call us for matched-aggression pairing advice.
Good to know
The jaguar cichlid is native to Central American lakes and rivers from Honduras to Costa Rica and is a large predatory hunter.
What is in the tanks and each animal's temperament vary — call (814) 456-9445 for pairing advice.
Good tankmates
Plays well with.
Species we’d keep in the same tank, with why each pairing works. What is in the tanks and each animal’s temperament vary — call (814) 456-9445 for advice on pairing.
New to stocking a tank? Read our guide on which fish live together.
Oscar - Red Tiger
Grows 12–18 inches with a similarly assertive temperament; widely confirmed across multiple reputable aquarium sources as one of the safest Jaguar Cichlid companions. Overlapping water parameter requirements (pH 7.0–8.0, temperature 76–82°F) and comparable adult size prevent predation and one-sided bullying. Requires a minimum 125–150 gallon tank so each fish can establish territory.
- R
Red Devil Cichlid
Reaches up to 15 inches and is arguably the most combative Central American cichlid; FishLab explicitly lists it as one of the 15 best Jaguar Cichlid tankmates. Water parameters overlap sufficiently — the shared window of pH 7.0–7.5 and 10–15 dGH satisfies both species. The Red Devil's extreme aggression means it will stand its ground rather than being continuously harassed. A 200+ gallon tank with divided sight lines is non-negotiable.
- F
Flowerhorn Cichlid
A purpose-bred hybrid selected for fighting robustness; reaches 12–16 inches with the stubborn territorial aggression needed to deter Jaguar Cichlid harassment. Multiple independent sources — Aquarium Source, FishLab, and Hepper — confirm this pairing. Water parameters (pH 7.0–8.0, temperature 78–82°F) are compatible. Individual temperament variation is real, so a divider on standby is good practice.
- S
Sailfin Pleco
Adults reach 13–20 inches fully clad in bony scutes, placing them firmly above the size threshold at which a Jaguar Cichlid can swallow or fatally harass them. FishLab and Aquadiction both list the Sailfin Pleco as a confirmed Jaguar tankmate. Occupies the substrate while the cichlid dominates open water, reducing direct confrontation. A well-grown specimen (12 inches+) before introduction is advised; juveniles are at elevated risk of fin and eye harassment.
Visit the store
660 East 14th Street,
Erie, PA.
Mon–Fri 12–6 · Sat 11–4 · Sun closed. Call ahead on livestock — what's on the floor rotates.