Vieja melanura
(Günther 1862)
Family Cichlidae
![Lateral view of redhead cichlid](https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/66/2020/02/Plate-213_2.jpg)
The redhead cichlid is a member of the cichlid and tilapia family. It has an oval, compressed body with a short head, pointed snout and a small mouth. There are a series of black blotches – or a black stripe – that extend from the slightly anterior region to, and along, much of the lower lateral line onto the caudal fin base. Breeding males are bright red-orange or yellow and develop a large nuchal hump. The anal fin has between five and seven spines, and the caudal fin edge is truncated to slightly rounded. The redhead cichlid inhabits canals.
![Lateral view of redhead cichlid](https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/66/2020/02/Plate-214_2.jpg)
Status & distribution
- Status — Non-indigenous freshwater
- Florida Distribution — Peninsula drainages
- River Drainages — the Everglades