Black Nasty Cichlid - Nandopsis hatiensis

The Black Nasty Cichlid, also known as Haitian cichlid, is a large freshwater fish that originated in Haiti. This species is also known as “black nasty”. It is widely regarded as one of the most aggressive cichlids in the world, which is more aggressive than Jaguar and Dovii cichlids. If you’re looking for a large, solitary cichlid from the popular aquarium options, the black nasty could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Features of Black Nasty Cichlid:

• Some Black Nasty Cichlid are extremely aggressive and will kill almost anything else that you put in the aquarium
• Typically black nasty are black and white
• This fish is a rare species in Aquarium shops
• The Black Nasty Cichlids live for 5-10 years

 

Black Nasty Cichlid: Care, Diet and Tank Mates

The Best Aquarium Size for Black Nasty Cichlid:

This species grows very large and will need a large aquarium. Not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium smaller than 400L. If you want to keep it together with other species or keep several Haitian cichlids together, it's highly recommended to consider a larger aquarium.

After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse Aquarium Tank Selection here.

Black Nasty Cichlid Tank Mate Compatibility:

They are lone dwellers but survive best when kept singly or as a pair. These fish are legitimately the anti-social cranky beings of the aquatic kingdom.

Black Nasty Cichlid Food :

Black nasty cichlids are omnivore species, should be fed low protein items (less than 50% dry weight protein) as this fish is very prone to bloating. High protein foods like freeze dried krill and brine shrimp could lead to serious gastrointestinal issues.  Some good commerical food brands for this fish:

• Hikari Cichlid Fish Food
• OSI Cichlid Premier Pellets (M)
  
• Spectrum AlgaeMax Wafers Sinking

You can search more Black Nasty Cichlid food in our High Quality Fish Foods collections.

Black Nasty Cichlid Tank Setup:

Aquarium Filtration

They do fine with strong efficient filtration. It is better to use an external filter such as a canister filter. Here are some great brands to consider:

• Aqua One Internal Filters, Canister Filters, Hang On Filters
• Eheim Classic Canister Filter with Media
• Fluval Internal Filter, Hang On Filter, Canister Filter
• Oase Internal Filters, Canister Filters

Aquarium Heater

The aquarium should be heated, depending on your area’s climate. Install an aquarium heater if necessary. 

Aquatic Plants

Black Nasty Cichlid needs a lot of hiding places to rest peacefully, or else they tend to get even more aggressive than usual. Fill your tank with hardy plants like Crinum or tough ferns like Java, as the species won’t eat them, and borders will be maintained. Check our Live Aquarium Plants here.

Aquarium Decorations

Avoid too many large decorations as this species is very boisterous and will get hurt on any items that get in their way. Stick to small to medium-sized objects. ideal Ornaments for your tank:

• biOrb Ornaments Collections
• Aqua One Ornaments Collections
• Kazoo Ornaments Collections
• Bonsai Driftwood Collections
• Big Rocks and Coves are only avalibale in Coburg Aquarium physical store

Aquarium Substrate

Sand and round pebbles are good ones for them.

A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.