Description
🐠 Home-Bred Albino HECKELLII Cichlid
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Geophagus hegli (Albino Variant)
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: South America (aquarium-bred strain)
Size: 7 – 9 inches (18 – 23 cm)
Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
Tank Zone: Bottom to Mid
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 80 – 150 ppm
pH: 6.0 – 7.2 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
Hardness: 3 – 8 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Albino body with red/orange highlights on fins and face.
Earth-eater type cichlid – constantly sifts sand through the mouth.
Peaceful for its size, best in groups.
Active digger – needs fine sand to prevent mouth injuries.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: Sinking cichlid pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, spirulina flakes, and blanched vegetables.
Feeding: Twice daily in small amounts.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (bigger is better).
Weekly water change: 30–40%.
Sandy substrate + driftwood + smooth rocks.
Good filtration is necessary for clean water.
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: 5 or more (kept in groups to reduce aggression).
Tank Mates: Peaceful South American cichlids (Severum, Angelfish, Uaru), Silver Dollars, Plecos, Corydoras, large Tetras.
Avoid: Aggressive species (Oscars, Flowerhorns) or very small fish (may be eaten).
✅ Do’s
Provide fine sand for digging.
Keep in groups for best behavior.
Add hiding spaces with rocks and driftwood.
Maintain stable water parameters.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep in small tanks.
Don’t mix with aggressive cichlids.
Don’t use sharp gravel (hurts their mouth).
Don’t overfeed – they naturally graze.
⭐ Quick Tips
Albino Hegli Cichlids are eye-catching and peaceful earth-eaters.
Great choice for South American community aquariums.
Their glowing albino color makes them a centerpiece fish.
