A large growing Cichlid native to freshwater rivers and lakes of Mexico and Guatemala, the Rio Chacamax or Red-spotted Cichlid (Vieja bifasciata) is mostly a herbivore in the wild, grazing on algae and detritus. Even juveniles of this cichlid species exhibit striking body colorations making for an impressive show fish. In the aquarium, they are an aggressive, boisterous fish that requires plenty of open swimming space as well as lots of cover. They are sensitive to water quality so frequent large water changes should be considered essential to long term success with this species.