Description
White Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata – Albino/White Variant)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Amatitlania nigrofasciata (Albino/White Variant)
Common Names: White Convict Cichlid, Albino Convict Cichlid
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes
Origin: Central America — rivers and lakes in Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica
Size: Up to 5 inches (12–13 cm) in captivity
Lifespan: 6 – 10 years
Tank Zone: Mid to bottom dweller; territorial and semi-aggressive
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 100 – 300 ppm
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
Hardness: 8 – 15 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Slender, laterally compressed body with pale white to cream coloration; faint black stripes may appear with age.
Behavior: Aggressive and highly territorial, especially during breeding.
Swimming Style: Active swimmer; patrols tank and defends nesting areas.
Unique Feature: Albino/white variant exhibits striking pale color while maintaining classic convict behavior.
Nature: Intelligent and interactive; guards eggs and fry diligently.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets, live/frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and occasional vegetables.
Feeding: Twice daily in small portions.
Tip: Protein-rich diet enhances growth and coloration.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (114 L) for a pair; larger tanks for multiple specimens.
Filtration: Strong filtration required; moderate bioload.
Decor: Rocks, caves, and clay pots for territories; open swimming space recommended.
Lighting: Moderate; enhances pale body tones.
Water Change: 25% weekly for stable water conditions.
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: Best kept in pairs; aggressive towards other tankmates if confined.
Tank Mates: Other robust cichlids or larger fish; avoid small, delicate species.
Avoid: Small, slow, or passive fish — likely to be harassed or eaten.
✅ Do’s
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Provide plenty of hiding places and caves.
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Feed a varied, protein-rich diet.
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Maintain stable water parameters and filtration.
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Keep in adequately sized tank to minimize aggression.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t house with very small or delicate fish.
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Don’t overcrowd the tank.
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Don’t neglect regular water changes and filtration.
⭐ Quick Tips
The White Convict Cichlid is a striking albino variant of the popular convict cichlid, ideal for aquarists who enjoy active and territorial freshwater fish.
It thrives in well-structured aquariums with caves and rocks, displaying its unique pale coloration while exhibiting classic convict behavior.
Perfect for intermediate to advanced aquarists.
