Cichlid Profiles - Pastel Amphilophus
 

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.