Pink Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) Care Guide
The Pink Convict is a leucistic captive strain of Amatitlania nigrofasciata, a hardy and highly territorial Central American cichlid that breeds readily.
Overview
The Pink Convict is a leucistic (xanthistic) captive colour strain of the convict cichlid, Amatitlania nigrofasciata, a small Central American cichlid of the family Cichlidae. Wikipedia notes leucistic strains include white, pink and gold convicts. FishBase records a maximum standard length of about 10 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Amatitlania
- Scientific name: Amatitlania nigrofasciata
- Authority: Günther, 1867
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Pacific and Atlantic slopes of Central America, across Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Panama. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic fish of flowing waters from small creeks to large rivers, favouring rocky habitats with cracks and crevices.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (26 gal)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.8-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Decor: rockwork with caves; plants may be uprooted
Diet
Amatitlania nigrofasciata is an omnivore. FishBase records feeding on worms, crustaceans, insects, fish and plant matter. Seriously Fish describes it as an unfussy omnivore that accepts most foods and benefits from a varied diet.
Compatibility
The species is highly aggressive and territorial, especially when breeding. Seriously Fish notes it is unsuitable for community tanks and is best kept singly or as a pair in a species setup. It will defend territory against much larger fish.
Breeding
The convict cichlid is a monogamous cave/substrate spawner with biparental care. According to Seriously Fish, eggs hatch in 3-4 days and fry become free-swimming after 4-7 days, with both parents guarding the brood; Wikipedia notes parental care lasts about 4-6 weeks.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 2019), per FishBase.