Pastel cichlid - Amphilophus alfari
Pastel cichlid ( common name )
Amphilophus alfari ( fish name )
- Maximum size in aquariums (min-max): 15 - 22 cm ( 5.91 - 8.66 in )
- pH of water: 6.6 - 7.4
- Water hardness (dGH): 4 - 16 °N
- Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C ( 73.4 - 80.6 °F )
- Compatibility (temperament to it's family): peaceful (read this answer)
- Compatibility (temperament to other fish species): aggressive to smaller (read this answer)
- Place in the aquarium: Bottom levels
- The way of breeding: Spawning
- Fish origin: Central America
Information about care
Food and feeding
Use a quality flake or cichlid pellets for the staple diet, the addition of live or frozen foods is a must to keep this fish in top condition. Feed blood worms, chopped earthworms, and brine shrimp.
Origin
Central America; this fish is to be found in the waterways of Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico.
Sexing
Males will be slightly larger than the females with extended dorsal and anal fins.
Breeding
Add flat rocks to the breeding tank; these will be used as spawning sites. Once the eggs are laid, the female will tend to the brood while the male defends the territory. After 3 days the eggs will hatch, a few days later the fry will be free swimming and can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.
Lifespan
It is believed that this fish can live up to 8+ years.
Short description
Always keep these fish in pairs, they prefer a tank with lots of hiding places but any plants added could be uprooted very quickly. Regular water changes with high filtration are a must.
Picture
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.
Use a quality flake or cichlid pellets for the staple diet, the addition of live or frozen foods is a must to keep this fish in top condition. Feed blood worms, chopped earthworms, and brine shrimp.
Origin
Central America; this fish is to be found in the waterways of Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico.
Sexing
Males will be slightly larger than the females with extended dorsal and anal fins.
Breeding
Add flat rocks to the breeding tank; these will be used as spawning sites. Once the eggs are laid, the female will tend to the brood while the male defends the territory. After 3 days the eggs will hatch, a few days later the fry will be free swimming and can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.
Lifespan
It is believed that this fish can live up to 8+ years.
Short description
Always keep these fish in pairs, they prefer a tank with lots of hiding places but any plants added could be uprooted very quickly. Regular water changes with high filtration are a must.
Picture
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.
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