The half pink half yellow fish is a unique and striking variety of fish that is becoming increasingly popular in the aquarium trade. As the name suggests, this fish has a two-tone coloration – the front half of its body is a vibrant pinkish-red, while the back half is a bright, golden yellow.
This unusual color pattern immediately catches the eye and makes the half pink half yellow fish stand out in any aquarium setup. But beyond its visual appeal, this fish has a very interesting backstory and genetics that aquarium hobbyists find fascinating. By understanding what causes its coloration and some key facts about the species, you can better appreciate the beauty and novelty of this fish.
Origins and Genetics
The half pink half yellow fish is a color variant of a common aquarium species known as the convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata). Native to Central America, normal convict cichlids have grey bodies with vertical black stripes, giving them a convict-like appearance. But selective breeding has produced color morphs like the half and half variety.
So what causes the split coloration in these fish? It comes down to a genetic mutation that causes one half of the fish to lack dark pigments while the other half produces them normally. This mutation results in one side appearing pinkish or yellow, since it lacks the dark stripes or spots. The exact distribution between the two colors can vary.
This mutation originated spontaneously in captive bred populations of convict cichlids. Once aquarists noticed this unique trait, they selectively bred the fish to stabilize and amplify the two-tone phenotype. Through this directed breeding, the half pink half yellow morph was established.
Appearance and Variants
While all half pink half yellow convict cichlids have the same general two-tone pattern, no two fish have exactly the same distribution of color. Some individuals may be half yellow and half pink, while others can be half yellow and half black, or half pink and half black.
Usually, the yellow or pink covers the front half of the body, including the head and gill covers. But the separation line between the colors may zigzag or take on interesting shapes. The percentage of each color can also vary, with some fish being 60/40 or 70/30 splits.
Overall though, the bright colors contrasted across the length of the body are what make this fish so remarkable. The pink and red hues can range from soft pink to vivid cherry red, while the yellow spans golden yellow to rich orange. Iridescent blue, green, and purple hues may also appear faintly, enhancing the color palette.
Care Requirements
Caring for a half pink half yellow convict cichlid is very similar to caring for a normal convict cichlid. Here are some key care guidelines:
Tank Size
– 30 gallons or larger recommended
Water Parameters
– Temperature: 72°F – 82°F
– pH: 7.0 – 8.0
– Hardness: Hard to very hard water
Diet
– Omnivorous – will eat flakes, pellets, frozen and live foods
Tankmates
– Can be aggressive, best kept alone or with similarly sized cichlids
– Avoid small, passive fish
Plants
– May uproot plants when excavating substrate
– Provide hardy, rooted plants
Decoration
– Driftwood, rocks, and cave-like decor
– Open swimming space
Behavior and Temperament
The half pink half yellow fish shares the same spunky attitude and interactions as regular convict cichlids. They are energetic, territorial fish that exhibit interesting behaviors:
– Aggressive to other fish, especially during spawning
– Try to spawn frequently, best kept as a monogamous pair
– Parents provide excellent care for their offspring
– Intelligent and interactive – can be hand fed and will recognize owners
In terms of temperament, convict cichlids are relatively hardy fish that adjust well to aquarium life. However, they can be prone to bloating and other digestive issues if care is not taken with their diet. Perform regular water changes and feed a varied diet to maintain good health.
Breeding
As mentioned, convict cichlids are prolific spawners that reach reproductive maturity at a young age. The half pink half yellow variety can be bred in the same way:
– Form monogamous pairs – one male and one female
– Use a 20-30 gallon tank dedicated to breeding
– Maintain soft, acidic water with a pH under 7.0
– Raise temperature into the 80s F and perform large water changes to trigger spawning
– Fish will clean a flat surface like a rock before laying eggs
– Parents guard eggs and care for fry once hatched
– Fry can be fed infusoria and then powdered flakes/pellets
Successfully bred offspring may display the full half and half coloration or carry genes that produce less defined patterns. Culling is required to breed quality fish each generation. Convict cichlids can produce new batches of fry every 5-6 weeks when conditions are right.
Availability
The half pink half yellow convict cichlid is still considered relatively new and rare in the fish keeping world. They are typically only available from specialty aquarium stores or online retailers that focus on unique color morphs and variants.
Occasionally, mass retailers may carry a small stock of these fish when available from wholesalers. But buying from a dedicated breeder is recommended to ensure healthy, quality specimens. Expect to pay $10-25 or even more per fish due to rarity and demand.
With their continued popularity, availability of these specially bred convict cichlids should increase over time. More commercial breeding efforts may bring down prices and make them easier to find for average hobbyists.
Conclusion
The uniquely split pink and yellow coloration of this convict cichlid morph immediately captures attention. While relatively new to the scene, these fish are gaining popularity among aquarists appreciative of their vivid colors and genetic origins. With proper care matching that of normal convict cichlids, the half and half fish can thrive in home aquariums. Their bold patterns and feisty attitude continue to make them coveted by experienced fishkeepers.
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Origin | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half pink half yellow cichlid | Amatitlania nigrofasciata | Central America | 4-6 inches |
