Freshwater · Year-round in South Florida; best spring and summer around spawning colonies
Mayan Cichlid
Mayaheros urophthalmus
The Mayan cichlid is a hardy Central American cichlid now widespread in South Florida canals, marshes and the Everglades. It tolerates salt water and spreads through canals, bites small baits aggressively, and makes a fine panfish. In Mexico, the same species complex is the 'tenguayaca', a valued local food fish.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Six to eight dark vertical bars on an olive body
- Large black spot at the base of the tail
- Reddish-orange throat, belly and fins in the breeding season
- Stout cichlid body with a fairly large, protruding mouth
- Bars and colours fade or darken with mood and water conditions
Habits
- Lives in canals, marshes, slow rivers and lake edges in South Florida
- Tolerates salt water and spreads through connected canals and estuaries
- Pairs guard nests and fry aggressively in spring and summer
- Feeds on small fish, shrimp, snails and insects
- In Mexico the same species complex is the 'tenguayaca', a local food fish
Distribution
Where to find them
- Everglades canals and marsh edges
- South Florida urban canals and lake shores
- Brackish creek mouths near mangroves
Where they live
How to catch them
Small baits and bread in canals Lake
Rig: Light spinning rod, size 4-6 hook with shrimp bits, worms or bread, fished in canals, marshes and Everglades edges
Bait/lure: Shrimp bits, worms, bread
Key tip: Fish near nesting colonies in spring and summer — guarding Mayans strike small baits on sight.
Fly fishing with nymphs and poppers River
Rig: Light fly rod with small nymphs and tiny poppers cast along canal banks and marsh edges
Bait/lure: Small nymphs and poppers
Key tip: Let small poppers sit, then twitch — Mayans rise readily to surface flies in warm months.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light 6.5-7 ft spinning rod or light fly rod
- Line: 6-10 lb mono or braid
- Terminal: Size 4-6 hooks, tiny jigs, split shot
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 8-10 in (20-25 cm); large fish to about 15 in (38 cm), around 1-2 lb (0.5-0.9 kg)
On the table
Good — a tasty panfish with firm white flesh; eats well.
Similar species
OscarOscar is thicker and deeper, marbled orange-red with an orange-ringed eyespot at the tail base; the Mayan cichlid is more elongated, plainly barred, with an unringed black tail-base spot
Spotted SunfishSpotted sunfish is a much smaller native sunfish covered in dark speckles with a small mouth; the Mayan cichlid is far larger, barred, with a big tail-base spot and a bigger mouthRegulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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