A beautiful, smaller relative of the Convict Cichlid. They boast an iridescent blue and purple body with red or orange fins. While significantly more peaceful than true Convicts, they are still Central American cichlids and become highly territorial when breeding. They love to dig, rearrange sand, and claim caves.
Honduran Red Point At a Glance
Honduran Red Point Tank Requirements
Will Honduran Red Point fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Honduran Red Point needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Honduran Red Point against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Honduran Red Point Water Parameters
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Honduran Red Point Temperament & Compatibility
Honduran Red Point Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Larger than females, with longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins. Often develops a steeper forehead as they mature. Defends breeding territory vigorously.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Male HRP
Female
Noticeably smaller than males. They develop a characteristic bright orange or red patch on their belly, particularly when in breeding condition.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female HRP
Honduran Red Point Care Guide Summary
The Honduran Red Point, scientifically known as Amatitlania sp. 'Honduran Red Point', belongs to the Cichlids - Central American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Honduran Red Point requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7–8.5 and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Honduran Red Point is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Honduran Red Point Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Honduran Red Point, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Honduran Red Point Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Honduran Red Point is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Honduran Red Point Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Honduran Red Point.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 17 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Honduran Red Point
How big does Honduran Red Point get?
Honduran Red Point (Amatitlania sp. 'Honduran Red Point') typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Honduran Red Point need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Honduran Red Point. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Honduran Red Point need?
Honduran Red Point thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 7 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Honduran Red Point peaceful or aggressive?
Honduran Red Point is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Honduran Red Point live alone?
Yes, Honduran Red Point can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Honduran Red Point have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Honduran Red Point benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Honduran Red Point
These plants pair well with Honduran Red Point based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Christmas Moss
Vesicularia montagnei
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Fish Similar to Honduran Red Point
Convict Cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
One of the most ubiquitous and hardy cichlids in the hobby. Named for their black-and-white prison stripe pattern, Convicts are infamous for their intense aggression, especially when breeding (which they do readily). They are intelligent, wet pets that rearrange their tank décor constantly. Best kept in species-only tanks or with other robust Central American cichlids.
Cutteri Cichlid
Amatitlania cutteri
A stunning, robust Central American cichlid known for its striking blue eyes, vertical barring, and metallic sheen. While generally considered less aggressive than its close cousin the Convict Cichlid, it is highly territorial during breeding. They form monogamous pairs and are excellent, albeit fierce, parents that will actively dig out spawning pits.
Pastel Cichlid
Cribroheros alfari
A strikingly beautiful Central American cichlid known for its pastel yellow, pink, and blue iridescent coloration. It is a substrate-sifting species that loves to dig in sand. Like many Central American cichlids, it can be highly territorial and aggressive, especially during breeding. Requires robust filtration and spacious quarters.
Blue Sifter
Cribroheros robertsoni
A stunning Central American cichlid known for its iridescent turquoise speckling and unique earth-eating behavior. It constantly sifts substrate through its gills to forage, making soft sand absolutely mandatory to prevent gill damage. While mildly tempered compared to many Central American cichlids, it becomes highly territorial when breeding.
Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
A popular Central American cichlid famous for the bright red coloration on its throat and belly, which it flares to intimidate rivals. They are earth-eaters, constantly sifting sand for food. While territorial, especially during breeding, they are relatively peaceful for a cichlid of their size compared to larger Central American counterparts.
Blue Point Cichlid
Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus
The Blue Point Cichlid (formerly Aequidens coeruleopunctatus) is a medium-sized Central and South American cichlid closely related to the Green Terror, but notably less aggressive. They are benthopelagic omnivores with a natural tendency to sift and dig through sandy substrates. While relatively peaceful for a cichlid of its size, it remains highly territorial during breeding and dominant males are completely intolerant of rival males.