Half blue (Pink Head)

A rosy-crowned scrapper built for bitter, alkaline waters.

Pink Head cichlids are aggressive, high-pH African-style fish for experienced keepers. Offered at 5–6 cm, they suit a carefully planned Rift Lake setup.

• Water conditions: The Pink Head cichlid is a high-pH species that should be maintained in stable, well-buffered water rather than in a general community aquarium. Aim for a pH of roughly 8.0–9.0, with high carbonate hardness and general hardness to prevent pH swings. A temperature of about 24–27°C suits most Rift Lake-style setups. Provide strong biological and mechanical filtration, excellent surface agitation, and high dissolved oxygen. These fish are sensitive to poor water quality, so ammonia and nitrite must remain at zero and nitrate should be kept low through regular partial water changes. Use Rift Lake salts or buffers only according to reliable instructions, and avoid altering pH rapidly. Stability is more important than chasing a specific number. Because Pink Head cichlids are aggressive, the aquarium should be mature, generously filtered, and spacious enough to handle territorial behaviour. Plan for adult size even when purchasing 5–6 cm specimens, and use a tank of at least 120 cm/4 ft for a colony, with larger quarters preferred for long-term health.
• Suitable tank mates: Pink Head cichlids are best kept in a species-dominant colony or with robust, similarly sized Rift Lake cichlids that can tolerate active, territorial tank mates. Avoid peaceful community fish, small tetras, guppies, slow-moving species, long-finned fish, and delicate invertebrates, as these may be bullied or eaten. Tank mates should be chosen for comparable temperament and water requirements, and any community should be planned before fish are added. Robust Synodontis-style catfish can sometimes work in a large Rift Lake setup, but individual temperaments vary. Avoid mixing with very similar-looking cichlids if crossbreeding or hybridisation is a concern, and do not combine multiple aggressive colonies in a tank that is too small. Provide plenty of rockwork and visual barriers to break up sight lines, but leave open swimming space. Monitor every introduction closely: Pink Head cichlids can be especially hard on conspecifics and on fish that occupy similar territories. Quarantine new arrivals and rearrange rockwork before adding new fish to reduce aggression.
• Feeding habits: Feed a high-fibre, algae-based diet suited to Rift Lake herbivorous cichlids. Quality spirulina pellets, algae wafers, nori, and blanched vegetable matter should form the staple diet. Small, frequent meals are preferable to one large feed, and any food not eaten within a few minutes should be removed. Avoid high-protein meaty foods, oily foods, and excessive feeding, as these can contribute to digestive problems and bloat in sensitive herbivorous cichlids. If offering frozen or live foods, use only appropriate vegetable-based or low-protein options sparingly. Observe body condition and adjust portions carefully; overfeeding is a common cause of water quality problems and health issues. A varied but fibre-rich diet will support colour, digestion, and long-term condition. Because Pink Head cichlids are aggressive at feeding time, scatter food across the tank or use multiple feeding points so subordinate fish can eat. Newly purchased 5–6 cm fish may need small pellets or crushed food until they settle in.
• Care requirements: Provide a well-structured aquarium with secure rockwork, caves, and visual barriers that allow fish to establish territories without constant chasing. Sand or fine gravel is suitable, and robust plants are optional because many cichlids may disturb them. Maintain a strict maintenance routine: regular partial water changes of around 30–50% depending on stocking and nitrate levels, filter cleaning in tank water, and consistent temperature and pH. Test water parameters weekly, especially during the first few months. Pink Head cichlids are aggressive, so observe behaviour daily and be prepared to rehome or separate fish if bullying becomes severe. Keep a group only if the tank is large enough and the sex ratio and social structure are workable; do not add single fish casually to an established colony. Use a quarantine tank for new livestock and never introduce fish from an unknown health status directly into the main system. Handle these cichlids with care during transport and tank moves, and avoid netting them more than necessary.
• Acclimation and health: Acclimatise Pink Head cichlids slowly, especially if moving from a different pH or hardness. A drip-acclimation method is useful for sensitive Rift Lake species. Keep the lights low during introduction and avoid feeding heavily on the first day. Watch for signs of stress such as clamped fins, hiding, rapid breathing, or loss of appetite, and check water quality first if symptoms appear. Because these fish are aggressive and territorial, minor fin damage can occur; clean water and good nutrition are the best support for healing. Do not use medications indiscriminately. If bloat is suspected in an herbivorous cichlid, review diet and feeding volume immediately and seek specialist advice. With stable high-pH water, robust filtration, a fibre-rich diet, and careful tank-mate planning, Pink Head cichlids can be striking and rewarding residents for the experienced aquarist.