Pink / Leucistic Convict
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Origin: Central America: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama
Also known as: Zebra Cichlid, Amatitlania nigrofasciata, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus
Fact sheet
- Size
- 15 cm
- Lifespan
- 10 years
- Minimum tank size
- 120 L
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Hardness GH
- 5–20 °dH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Social behavior
- In pairs
- Swimming zone
- Middle, Bottom
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- Yes
Overview
Leucistic form with reduced or absent black pigment — pink-orange or yellowish body with faint pattern. Eyes are normally dark (not albino). Very popular in the hobby.
Appearance
Shared with the species: Convict Cichlid
Males to 15 cm, females slightly smaller. 8–9 bold black vertical bars on a gray-white base. During spawning, females develop a vivid orange-pink belly patch. Mature males develop a small nuchal hump.
Care
Shared with the species: Convict Cichlid
Tank 120+ L. Temperature 20–29°C, pH 6.5–8.0. Highly tolerant of varying water conditions. Cave structures essential for breeding and shelter. Dense rockwork.
Feeding
Shared with the species: Convict Cichlid
Omnivore: virtually any food accepted — pellets, flakes, frozen/live bloodworm, brine shrimp, earthworms. One of the least fussy cichlids to feed.
Compatibility
Shared with the species: Convict Cichlid
Aggressive, especially during spawning. Best kept as a mated pair in a species tank, or with large robust cichlids that can hold their own. Will attack and kill smaller fish near their spawn.
Breeding
Shared with the species: Convict Cichlid
One of the easiest cichlids to breed. Cave spawner — female deposits 100–300 eggs inside a cave, flat stone, or flowerpot. Both parents guard intensely and aggressively. Fry free-swimming in 3–5 days; parents continue to protect for several weeks.
Fun facts
Shared with the species: Convict Cichlid
Convicts form long-term pair bonds with highly coordinated biparental care. Extensively studied in behavioral science for aggression and parental investment. Invasive in Australia, Japan, and USA. Lifespan 8–10 years.