The Archocentrus spinosissimus is a fish in couples that naturally resides near the bottom. This is a species rather quiet temperament.
The Archocentrus spinosissimus is a fish that can become aggressive on some occasions. He does not like the presence of other species "temperamental" in its territory.
However, it is peaceful with non territorial fish, except during the breeding season. Indeed, it becomes more aggressive in this opportunity and rigorously protect its eggs and fry.
Naturally, he tends to dig the sand and transform his environment to mark its territory.
The Archocentrus spinosissimus is a rather hardy fish that can live in water with a temperature between 26 ° C and 30 ° C to a pH ranging from 7.5 to 8.0. The conductivity of the water may range from 500μS / cm-1 and 800μS / cm-1. The Archocentrus spinosissimus is tolerant with regard to water setting. However, it is advisable to try to get closer to its living conditions in the natural environment to make it more longevity.
In a context of community tank, should be maintained in a minimum volume of 200 liters.
The Archocentrus spinosissimus character is a fish that rarely leave its territory. It is not very aggressive towards its neighbors, even territorial. However, we must not neglect its needs a space and therefore well adapted to enable it to mark territory. It should not coexist with territorial fish large or too aggressive to prevent it from being dominated or injured.
It can live properly with peaceful territorial species larger or with neighbors of similar behavior, provided the aquarium volume allows. The floor area is key to ensure its successful breeding. It is important not to get two territorial species occupying the same living area in too small aquarium. During the breeding season, he will not hesitate to defend its territory virulence, behavior that can weaken usually shy fish.
The species prefers a particular environment rich in vegetation. Adding plants offer many hiding him that will mitigate its possible stress. This fish is unique in its territory dig in the sand. Therefore, it is likely to uproot the plants and change the decor of the aquarium.
Archocentrus siquia is quite easy to breed. This species forms fantastic pair bonds. As with most cichlids, the female will become plumper and fill with eggs prior to spawning. Female coloration also increases dramatically as the fish court and begin spawning rituals
Archocentrus siquia is a cave spawner like most Archocentrus. During spawning and continuing into brood care the fish become drab. Spawns range anywhere from 150-500 eggs. This is mostly dependent on the age and size of the female. The eggs hatch in about four days post spawn and by 10 days are free swimming. The fry grow quickly and are easy to raise on baby brine shrimp or crushed flake.
本魚僅分布在中美洲瓜地馬拉、宏都拉斯及薩爾瓦多的溪流中。
本魚身體強健，體呈藍灰色，體側具有8或9條深色條紋；鰓蓋上具有一黑色斑點。雌魚魚體上黃色較多，隨著情緒的變化，體色和圖案也會改變。背鰭硬棘17－19枚、背鰭軟條7－9枚；臀鰭硬棘8－10枚、臀鰭軟條6－7枚；脊椎骨27－28枚。體長可達10公分。
棲息在流速較大且具有岩石的溪流，以岩石的隙縫當作庇護所，肉食性，以昆蟲、甲殼類、蠕蟲或其他魚類為食。具有領域性，也被用來做關於魚類行為的研究。
The Pink Convict Cichlid is a pseudo-albino of the Archocentrus nigrofasciatus Convict Cichlid. Sometimes called Zebra Cichlid or Convict Cichlid, this fish is monotone in color, with the female having an orange patch on her stomach. The male is larger, monotone, has a steeper forehead and longer fins. As it ages, the male will acquire a fatty lump on the forehead. A striking addition to any aquarium, they are not recommended for the community tank due to their aggressive tendencies.
The Pink Convict Cichlid requires a minimum tank of 30 gallons with a gravel bottom, rocks and plenty of hiding places among the rocks or some inverted pots. Floating plants are recommended as a form of cover. Because of their aggressive nature, Pink Convict Cichlids should only be housed with other more aggressive fish of the same size or larger.
The Pink Convict Cichlid is a cave-breeder and will accept a range of water conditions. To promote breeding increase the water temperature to between 75-79°F. Some females will spawn between a cave and an open area. The Pink Convict Cichlid readily pairs and forms a patriarch/matriarch family and both the male and female will care for the young. The fry will respond to signals from both the male and the female.
The Pink Convict Cichlid is omnivorous and will eat most prepared and frozen foods, including freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and ocean plankton, as well as flake food and Cichlid pellets.
