robertprice
June 29th, 2013, 08:44 PM
Aphilophus alfari is an attractive 6-8" resident of all types of habitats in Honduras and Costa Rica. Until 2003, it had been very confused with information about Viejas, as both were referred to as "Pastel Cichlids." I have changed its common name to reflect its ancestry. It is a streamlined but typical looking Amphilophus, smaller and not as heavy set as a Red Devil and lacking a nuchal hump. It is very drab as a juvenile, but adults develop a beatiful and blue or green spangled anterior blood red posterior dorsal fin, with 3 vertical whites below the red area on the back of the body. There may be iridescent green-blue pearls all over the fish. The chin, forehead and pectoral area are often rose colored or lavender. There is a very thick black line from eye to caudal penduncle.
It is an omnivore and substrate breeder and aggressive towards small fish. It is semi-aggressive within its species, and will attack smaller cichlids. It likes hard water of 75-85 degrees and pH 7-7.6. It can be kept in pairs in a tank 30 gallons or larger, and needs very clean water and water changes to maintain its vibrant color.
It is an omnivore and substrate breeder and aggressive towards small fish. It is semi-aggressive within its species, and will attack smaller cichlids. It likes hard water of 75-85 degrees and pH 7-7.6. It can be kept in pairs in a tank 30 gallons or larger, and needs very clean water and water changes to maintain its vibrant color.