Honduran Red Point

The Honduran red point was long thought to be a regional form of the convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata); today it is recognized as a separate species. The dark vertical bands on its gray–bluish body are reminiscent of the convict, but the bands are usually less distinct and the body is stockier. As with the convict, orange tones appear on the females' bellies. It is known for its hardiness and easy breeding.

• At least 120 liters and 80–100 cm of length for a pair.
• Caves, flat stones and roots; it digs the substrate and may uproot plants.
• It adapts to a wide range of water values; change 25–30% weekly.
• Have a plan for the fry of a pair that breeds constantly.

Omnivorous with a big appetite. Offer cichlid granules, frozen bloodworms, mysis and vegetables; avoid overfeeding. One or two small meals a day are enough.

A territorial, tough fish for its small size; especially when it has fry, it may claim half the aquarium.

Good companions: Central American cichlids of similar temperament (in a large aquarium), robust plecos, fast and large schooling fish.

Avoid: peaceful community fish, shrimp, planted aquariums, slow and long-finned species, convicts (they can hybridize).