Pink Convict Cichlid

1. Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Amatitlania nigrofasciata (Pink Convict is a color morph)
• Common Names: Pink Convict Cichlid, Albino Convict Cichlid, Pink Zebra Cichlid
• Family: Cichlidae

2. Origins and Natural Habitat

• Region: The wild Convict Cichlid is native to Central America, specifically found in the rivers and lakes of countries like Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Panama.
• Habitat: In the wild, Convict Cichlids inhabit rocky areas with moderate water flow. In the aquarium, they prefer environments with hiding spots such as caves, rocks, or dense plant cover.

3. Physical Appearance

• Size: Pink Convict Cichlids typically grow to around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), with males generally being larger than females.
• Color: This variant lacks the typical black bars seen on the standard Convict Cichlid, instead having a pale pink, peach, or light orange body. Males may exhibit a more intense color with slight iridescence, while females may have darker spots on their dorsal fins.
• Fins: Their fins are translucent with pinkish or pale orange hues.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are larger with more pointed dorsal and anal fins, while females are smaller and rounder with a more vibrant color during breeding.

4. Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament: Pink Convict Cichlids are known for their aggression, especially during breeding. They are territorial and will defend their space fiercely, even in community tanks.
• Social Behavior: While they can be kept in a community tank with other robust, similarly-sized fish, they can be aggressive toward smaller or more peaceful tank mates. During breeding, they become particularly territorial and may attack other fish.
• Breeding Behavior: Convict Cichlids are prolific breeders, and they form strong, monogamous pairs. Once they establish a breeding pair, they will fiercely guard their eggs and fry, making them highly protective parents.

5. Aquarium Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons (114 liters) is recommended for a pair, though larger tanks are needed if keeping them in a community setup.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
  • pH: 6.5-8.0 (They are adaptable but prefer slightly alkaline to neutral water.)
  • Hardness: 5-20 dGH (moderate to hard water)
• Substrate: They prefer sandy or fine gravel substrates, as they may dig when setting up a breeding territory.
• Decorations: Provide plenty of hiding spots with rocks, driftwood, and caves. Convicts enjoy claiming territories, so structure the aquarium in a way that allows them to establish defined areas.
• Filtration: A good filtration system is important to keep the water clean, especially if you have a breeding pair. They are not overly sensitive to water conditions but do best with stable, well-maintained water.
• Plants: While Pink Convicts may uproot plants, especially when preparing to breed, they can coexist with hardy plants such as Java Fern, Anubias, or plastic plants. Attaching plants to rocks or driftwood can help prevent them from being disturbed.

6. Feeding

• Diet: Pink Convicts are omnivores, and they thrive on a varied diet:
  • Prepared Foods: High-quality pellets, cichlid flakes, and granules should be the staple of their diet.
  • Live/Frozen Foods: Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and blackworms to encourage better health and more vibrant colors.
  • Vegetables: Blanched vegetables like spinach, peas, or zucchini can also be offered occasionally.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them 2-3 times daily in small amounts that they can consume in a few minutes.

7. Tank Mates

Due to their aggressive nature, careful consideration is needed when choosing tank mates for Pink Convicts:

• Compatible Tank Mates:
  • Other robust cichlids, such as Firemouth Cichlids, Jewel Cichlids, or similarly sized South American cichlids.
  • Large catfish species like Plecos or Synodontis that are bottom-dwellers and will avoid the Convict’s territory.
  • Fast-moving fish like certain Barbs or larger Tetras that can avoid conflict.
• Incompatible Tank Mates:
  • Small, peaceful fish such as Neon Tetras, Guppies, or Gouramis, which are likely to be bullied or attacked.
  • Slow-moving fish with flowing fins, such as Angelfish or Bettas, which may become targets for aggression.

8. Breeding

• Pairing: Pink Convicts are easy to breed, and once a pair forms, they will likely breed frequently. Pairs often bond for life, making them excellent parents.
• Spawning: Females will lay their eggs on a flat surface like rocks or inside caves. After the eggs are laid, both parents will guard the nest and tend to the fry.
• Fry Care: Once the eggs hatch, fry become free-swimming within 4-7 days. The parents will continue to protect and care for the fry. Feed the fry finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp.
• Breeding Tank: If you plan on breeding them, a separate breeding tank is recommended to prevent aggression toward other tank mates and to better control the environment.

9. Health and Lifespan

• Lifespan: Pink Convicts can live for 8-10 years with proper care.
• Health Issues: They are hardy fish, but like all aquarium fish, they are susceptible to common freshwater diseases such as ich or fin rot. Maintaining good water quality and avoiding stress will help keep them healthy.
• Stress and Aggression: Aggression due to overcrowding or unsuitable tank mates can lead to stress, which might result in health issues. Providing enough space and managing aggression is key.

10. Special Considerations

• Aggression: While Pink Convicts are beautiful fish, their aggressive nature makes them better suited for experienced aquarists who can handle territorial behavior and potential conflicts.
• Prolific Breeders: Be prepared for frequent breeding, as Pink Convicts can overpopulate a tank quickly. It’s essential to have a plan for managing the offspring.