More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 120 litres / 31.70 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 15.2cm / 5.98inches |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Care Description | Difficult |
| Temperature | 20.0°C / 68.00°F - 22.8°C / 73.04°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 9-20 |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 |
General Description
The Pink Convict Cichlid, a pseudo-albino variant of the Archocentrus nigrofasciatus Convict Cichlid, is characterized by a monotone pinkish coloration, with females displaying an orange patch on their stomachs. Males are larger with a steeper forehead, longer fins, and develop a fatty lump on the forehead as they age. Known by alternative names such as Zebra Cichlid or Convict Cichlid, this species is a visually striking addition to aquariums but may exhibit aggressive behavior, making them unsuitable for community tanks.
Aquarium Setup
For the Pink Convict Cichlid, a minimum tank size of 30 gallons with gravel substrate, rocks, and ample hiding spots like inverted pots is necessary (see table for specifics). To provide cover and mimic their natural habitat, incorporating floating plants is recommended. Due to their territorial aggression, it is advised to house Pink Convict Cichlids with equally aggressive fish of similar size or larger to avoid conflicts.
Behaviour
Due to their territorial and aggressive nature, Pink Convict Cichlids should be kept with tank mates that can tolerate their behavior. These fish exhibit cave-breeding behavior, forming patriarch/matriarch family units. Pair bonding is strong, and both male and female will jointly care for their young, with fry responding to signals from both parents.
Feeding and Diet
As omnivores, Pink Convict Cichlids have a varied diet that includes prepared and frozen foods such as bloodworms, tubifex, ocean plankton, flake food, and Cichlid pellets. Their versatile feeding habits make it relatively easy to provide them with a balanced diet in captivity.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Pink Convict Cichlids are known cave breeders and can tolerate a range of water conditions. To induce breeding, a temperature range of 75-79°F is optimal. Females may spawn between a cave and an open area. Once breeding occurs, the male and female work together to care for the offspring, with the fry responding to both parental signals.
Habitat and Distribution
The Pink Convict Cichlid, a member of the Cichlidae family, is native to Central America and can be found in the freshwater habitats of Honduras, Guatemala, and other surrounding regions. Their natural habitat includes rivers, streams, and lakes with varying water parameters (see table for specifics), where they thrive in rocky areas with plenty of hiding spots.