Parachromis managuensis
Predatory cichlid from Central America, with a row of black spots along the flank. It attacks small lures aggressively and has been introduced in several countries, including Mexico.
Also called: guapote-tigre, ciclídeo-jaguar, peixe-jaguar, jaguar guapote
Predatory cichlid native to the Atlantic slope of Central America, from the Ulúa River (Honduras) to the Matina River (Costa Rica), including Lakes Nicaragua and Managua, which gives it its scientific name. It prefers murky, nutrient-rich lakes, warm low-oxygen floodplain lagoons and mud bottoms. It eats small fish and invertebrates. Highly valued as a table fish, it was spread by aquaculture and the aquarium trade to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Cuba, Puerto Rico and other countries, where it is seen as a potential pest. In sport fishing it is smaller than the lagunero guapote, but it strikes crankbaits, spinners and silicone lures with the same fury and fights well on light tackle.
Large mouth, projecting lower jaw and visible canine teeth. Silver to golden-green body with purple sheen, a row of large black blotches in the middle of the flank and many black spots on the body and fins; black bands from the eye to the edge of the gill cover and a black spot at the base of the tail. The lagunero guapote (Parachromis dovii) is much larger, and males have small, dense spots instead of the row of blotches.
Loading the next 7 days…
Each card shows the day's index (0 to 100) and, below it, a strip with the index for each hour, from 0h to 23h. from poor to excellent.
Not found in Brazil (the name "peixe-jaguar" is used in the aquarium trade, with no wild record confirmed by FishBase). Native to Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, on the Atlantic slope, including Lakes Nicaragua and Managua. Introduced to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Cuba and Puerto Rico.
Habitat: Murky, eutrophic lakes, warm floodplain lagoons, springs and small reservoirs with bottoms of mud, sand and debris; near logs and vegetation.
Fishable all year. It tends to bite best in the dry season, with clearer water and a stable level.
Daytime, with peaks at dawn and dusk. Feeds by day, with peaks at dawn and dusk along the banks and vegetation.
Rare in the region; cold fronts in areas where it was introduced shut down activity.
Stable weather helps.
Small effect; during spawning the pair guards the nest and strikes lures out of territoriality.
Heavy rain muddies the banks; the fish tolerates murky water better than other cichlids.
A stable level and banks with logs and vegetation are best.
Moderately sensitive; approach quietly near the structure.
Light wind helps along the banks; strong wind hinders the cast.
From 0.5 to 4 m for most of the day.
lures
natural baits
accessories
Run the lure close to logs and vegetation and pause: the tiger guapote tends to strike on the pause.
Summary of the regulations we found, with the source for each. Rules change; before keeping or transporting fish, check with the state environmental agency.
Conservation: In its native range. Considered a potential pest where it was introduced.
The official table of minimum catch sizes from INPESCA for inland waters sets 20 cm for the tiger guapote (Parachromis managuensis). Smaller specimens must be returned to the water.
Source: INPESCA — Minimum catch sizes allowed, inland waters (2019)
In Mexico's federally governed inland waters, the limit is 5 fish per angler per day, with only one rod in use per angler. Using live fish as bait is prohibited in inland waters, and sport-caught fish may not be sold. Each reservoir committee may reduce the bag limit and set sizes. In Mexico the tiger guapote is exotic.
Hold it by the mouth with pliers or a fish grip (watch the teeth) and release near the structure. Where it is exotic, follow local rules before releasing.
White, tasty flesh, highly prized in the region; fried whole or as fillets.
Length-weight relationship W = a·Lb (a = 0.02089, b = 3.05; FishBase). It's an average: a fat or lean fish can vary by 10% to 20%.
estimated weight
—
The season weights (months), the time of day and the sensitivities (cold, pressure, moon, wind, rain, tide, strong light, murky water and noise) are the app's editorial estimates, based on the literature below and on the field experience of anglers and guides. They are not official data nor a measurement made for this species, and they may vary by region and year. Closed seasons and legal rules appear in the rules section, with the norm and a link.
Your location is saved only on this device and feeds the forecast, the map and the "today" on the home page.
