(F2) ALBINO HECKELII Cichlid (HOME BREED)(2.5 inches)

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.