Size
The standard length of this fish is 14 inches, while 16 inches (35–40 cm) are not unusual.
Physical Appearance
Haitian cichlid, also known as odo fish, are often seen in black and white hues. Males have a white body with black pepper-like patches, while females have a predominantly black body with a white mouth. Their size and lack of obvious genitalia make sexing them a little more challenging.
Habitat
The island of Hispaniola is home to the Nandopsis haitiensis species. The Haitian cichlid is a sizable and exquisite species of cichlid that was first discovered in rivers and lakes in Haiti. The nickname “black nasty” for this species reveals something about its character.
Keeping as Pet
Tank Size
This species has an extremely large growth rate, necessitating a large tank. This species should not be kept in aquariums that are any smaller than 400L (105 gallons). The best thing is to keeping several Haitian cichlids together in a much larger tank if you want to maintain it alongside other species.
Water Parameters
As with all large cichlids, good filtration is crucial since they produce a lot of waste. Additionally advised is aeration. It thrives in water that is moderately hard. Ideal conditions are for maintaining the pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and the temperature between 73 and 82°F (23.0 and 28.0 °C). However, this species can tolerate a variety of water conditions.
Feeding
The omnivorous Haitian cichlid will consume practically everything that is put in front of it. Vegetable matter should be a significant part of their diet. Make sure to provide them a variety of foods. They enjoy live food occasionally, but since it might make animals more aggressive, you can decide whether to provide it to them or not. To maintain or reproduce this species, live food is not necessary.
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