Cichlidae
Amatitlania (subgenus Bussingius)
20.00 cm
Males can max out at 20 cm. Females max out at a little over 10 cm, probably more like 12.
Semi-aggressive, Community
Peaceful with non conspecifics. Males will be aggressive with females when spawns fail.
Omnivore
152.00 L
90.00 cm x 45.00 cm
20.0 C - 28.0 C
Any.
Other
Strangely, in spite of the fact that they spawn in the dry season in nature, cooler water is required to spawn them successfully. Will spawn in warmer water, however eggs will not hatch in water around 28C. Frequent failure of spawns shatters pair bonds and often results in injury or death for the female. For frequent and successful spawns, keep around 20C. Can be distinguished from A. septemfasciata by the presence of rows of gold scales on the bodies of both sexes (more prevalent in females), blue speckling on the fins, and a lack of bars when breeding. Males will also be a flat brown as opposed to purple with a yellow head. Females will form territories and gain black outlines to the gold scales on their bodies when breeding and dance for males.
Egg-layer (Parental Care)
Male guards territory while female tends eggs and fry. Prefers caves with vertically oriented openings. Will spawn as soon as they stop caring for their previous batch.
200 fry
Cooler water
Fry are born relatively large (about twice the size of A. nigrofasciata fry), and are not picky about food. Moderate growth rate. Can be fed on powdered or live foods.
