Honduran Red Point (Cryptoheros sp.)

Species Name: Amatilania nigrofasciata Cryptoheros sp.'Honduran Red Point'

Common Name: Honduran Red Point Convict, Honduran Red Fin Convict.

Family: Cichlidae

Species Type: Central American Cichlids

Size: Males 4” Females 3”

Life span: If kept healthy 10 years

Originates from: The rivers of Central America.

Minimum tank size: 30 gallons

Water region: All over

Temperature Range: 72°F-80°F

PH Range: 7 - 7.8. I seen in some cases where they were kept in 8 and were loving it.

Diet: Omnivore. The Honduran red point is not picky about what they eat, but it is in my opinion to vary their diet as much as possible. I suggest Hikari cichlid bio gold as a staple and use frozen or freeze dried krill, brine shrimp, meal worms, black worms and blood worms as a treat.

Temperament: Aggressive and territorial when breeding.

Tank Mates: All other Central American cichlids.

Description: The Honduran red point or HRP should be cared for in the same way as their close cousins the Convicts and the T Bar cichlid. The HRP’s are somewhat territorial but not overly aggressive. They should be kept with other small to medium sized cichlids of similar temperament or community fish that will grow to a minimum size of 2". The Honduran red point is a gorgeous cichlid that is relatively easy to care for and are relatively peaceful for cichlids. They can safely breed with other fish in a larger tank so long as they have plenty of room.

Sexing: Males will have a lighter, icy blue overall coloration and will develop red coloration in the dorsal, anal and caudal fins. They have also been known to grow a small nuchal hump. Females will have a deeper overall blue coloration with little to no red in the fins. The females tend to be a little smaller than the males.

Breeding: Pairs will form when males reach anywhere from 2.5” to 3" and when the female reaches 2". The female will lay eggs on a cleaned, flat surface and guard the immediate area while the male patrols the perimeter.
These are rather easy fish to breed think convict easy when thinking about breeding these little guys and gals.


Male HRP


Female HRP


Pair Guarding Spawning Pit


Two Males


Photo Credit: Paul Lotridge (mostlycichlids)