This species grows very large and will therefore need a large aquarium. It is not recommend to keep this species in an aquarium smaller than 400L / 105 gallons. If you want to keep it together with other species or keep several Haitian cichlids together a considerably larger aquarium is recommend.

The aquarium should be decorated in such a way that natural territorial borders are created. This helps reduce stress and allows for several territories to be formed in the same aquarium. Without natural borders the risk is much higher that one fish takes the entire tank as his and kills everything else in it. Decorate the aquarium using rocks and driftwood and make sure to create some hiding places of suitable size for your Haitian cichlids. Plants are not necessary and this cichlid will eat most plants. If you want to keep plants in the aquarium (it can make creating natural territorial borders easier), I recommend trying hardy plants like java fern and crinum. Try to decorate the tank so there isn't always a clear line of sight from one side of the tank to the other so that the fish don't always have to see each other.

Good filtration is important as with all large cichlids as they produce a lot of waste. Aeration is also recommended. This species does best in medium hard water. The temperature should ideally be kept between 73 - 82°F (23.0 - 28.0 °C) and the pH between 6.0 and 7.5. This species is however relatively tolerant to different water conditions.

Haitian cichlids are omnivores and will eat almost everything they are offered. It is important to include vegetable matter in their diet. Make sure you give them a varied diet. They love some live food every now and then but as live food can increase aggression it is up to you whether you want to give them live food or not. Live food is not required to keep or breed this species.

ALL SALES ON LIVE FISH ARE FINAL WE DO NOT EXCEPT RETURNS OR EXCHANGES.

PLEASE BE ADVISED BLACKNASTYCICHLIDS.COM IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOSS OR DEATH OF ANY FISH OR FISHES PURCHASED FROM OUR SITE AFTER RECIEPT OF INITIAL SHIPMENT.  FAILURE TO BE AVAILABLE TO RECEIVE DELIVERY ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT FOR LIVING AND OR LIVE PRODUCT SHALL VOID ALL WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES.

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It is the responsibility of the hobbyist to research the requirements for each fish to ensure a suitable environment, food, and compatible tank mates. Water quality, incompatibility with the fish tank, diet, etc. 

We guarantee live arrival. This will cover any issues with shipping that might impair the health of the fish. We do not guarantee fish beyond the day of arrival. 

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We will always ship live fish via Overnight shipping. If DOAs result from a delay by UPS/FedEx, a store credit will be issued for the losses.

In the rare event of a loss, please contact our Customer Support Department when the fish arrive. To file a DOA claim, follow the steps below:

• Upon arrival, please send a photo (less than 5MB) of the lost specimen to: support@BlackNastyCichlid.com. Please do not send videos

• Please include "DOA", your Order Number in the subject line. (Example DOA #1234). In the body of the email, include your name and item name with quantity of deceased specimens. Please include the UPS/FedEx shipping and tracking number and time of delivery.

Once we receive a valid claim, we will refund you for the value of the fish in full within 5 business days. We do not send out replacements.

*Please note we DO NOT refund shipping charges.

1. Live Arrival Guarantee: We take great care in packaging and shipping your live fish to ensure their safe and healthy arrival. We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee on all our shipments. In the unlikely event that your fish do not arrive alive, please contact us immediately with clear photos of the unopened packaging within two hours of delivery. We will work with you to resolve the issue promptly.

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2. Shipping Method: We use industry-leading shipping carriers and methods to deliver live fish to your doorstep. All shipments are carefully packed with insulated materials and include heat or cold packs as needed to maintain optimal temperatures during transit.

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3. Shipping Zones and Restrictions: We currently ship live fish within the United States. Please note that there may be restrictions or additional requirements for certain locations due to local regulations. It is the customer's responsibility to be aware of and comply with any import regulations applicable to their area.

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4. Shipping Schedule: Live fish orders are typically shipped overnight or next day Monday thru Thursday to ensure timely delivery and avoid extended transit times over weekends. Orders received after 5PM Wednesday may be shipped on the next available shipping day.

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5. Shipping Charges: Shipping charges are calculated based on the weight of the package and the destination. You can view the shipping cost during the checkout process before completing your purchase. Free shipping may be offered on orders exceeding a certain value; refer to our promotions or contact our customer service for more information.

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6. Acclimation Instructions: Upon receiving your live fish, it is crucial to follow proper acclimation procedures to help them adjust to their new environment. We provide detailed acclimation instructions with each shipment. Failure to follow these guidelines may void the Live Arrival Guarantee.

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7. Weather Delays: In the case of extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves or severe cold, we may delay shipments to ensure the safety of the fish. We will communicate any delays and work with you to reschedule the delivery.

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8. Communication: For any questions, concerns, or issues regarding your live fish shipment, please contact our customer service team at [provide contact information]. We are here to assist you and ensure a positive experience with our live fish products.

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Note: This shipping policy is subject to change without notice. It is the customer's responsibility to review and understand the policy before placing an order.

Juveniles under 5" are difficult to determine their sex.  We cannot guarantee any particular sex at this size.

Live fish sizes are estimated. Your fish will be within a half inch but not smaller than the listed size.