At four natural habitats of the convict cichlid in Costa Rica, the pH was found to range from 6.6–7.8, while carbonate hardness (KH) ranged from 63 to 77 ppm Other new species previously listed in A. Nigrofasciata are Amatitlania coatepeque of Lake Coatepeque in El Salvador and Amatitlania kanna of the Atlantic coast of Panama. If you’re a beginner then we’d recommend that you keep Cichlids without any other species in their own tank. The bare minimum you should use is a good quality hanging on the back. Quite often you may encounter pink convict cichlid – its body is pinkish and yellow, the eyes are dark colored. External filtration is superior to under gravel filter systems, due to the tendency of the species to dig. You can feed them with live foods such as Blood Worms, Black Worms, Daphnia and Brine Shrimp. Cichlid for Sale !! Convict cichlids are native to the lakes and streams of Central America. The Black Convict Cichlid (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus), also known as the Zebra Cichlid, is a freshwater fish native to the warm rivers of South America. “Kongo” nigrofasciata A mutation in an autosomal gene causes leucistic coloration and is inherited recessively. Pick up from browns plains or can deliver local for a small fee. After fertilization, the eggs hatch about 72 hours. While Cichlids can survive a wide range of foods, your goal should be to raise healthy Cichlids, so you should make sure that their diet meets their nutritional needs. Should you keep convict cichlid in the aquarium? Hopefully, now you know enough to find out if the Black Convict Cichlid is your aquarium’s right fish. They will get quite aggressive in protecting their territory and they should not be kept with peaceful community type fishes. Here are typical lifespans of some well-known fish species, from the Adolfo cory to the zebra danio. In this article, we will talk about everything you need to know about keeping them, including dietary needs, ideal tank mates, tank setup, varieties of pink and white colors, how to control their aggression. Convict Cichlid Tank Conditions. You should expect them to abandon their yolk sac and start swimming after another 5 days. One area in which convicts excel is breeding; they ‘re incredibly easy to raise and make great parents. Convict Cichlid Breeding. They make fantastic parents as prolific breeders; therefore their parenting ability is another common behavior that you’ll see. The male Convict Cichlid fertilizes the eggs and after approximately four days the eggs hatch. Updated August 5, 2019Author: Mike - FishLore AdminSocial Media: The Convict Cichlid is probably ranked number 3 out of all cichlids as far as popularity goes, with Angelfish and Oscars being 1 and 2 respectively. Convict Cichlid Tank Mates. fast-moving fish like Giant Danios may also be used as dither fish. Convicted cichlids usually show their aggressive behavior by biting and chasing, which involves high-speed bursts targeted at the intruder, and also show their aggression through their body size. The parents expel intruders and potential egg predators from the surrounding nest until this time. Females usually have pink or orange on the belly. Because of this, you should make sure that a strong filtration setup is in place to stop the water from becoming turbid. Selective breeding has led to a leucistic strain that lacks the wild type dark barring. They have learned to survive in a wide variety of water conditions because of their wide natural habitat and therefore they are very hardy fish. The great part about breeding them is watching the parental care given to the fry. This cichlid can get to be about 4 inches (10 cm) and should do fine in a 20 gallon (78 liters) or larger aquarium. ... To separate the territories, use the roots, plants or any other element visually separating the different areas of life. They are however extremely territorial and will be very hostile and aggressive when fish enter ‘their’ territory. This is a fascinating species that is known as being a profilic breeder. The parents, like other cichlids, recover their young just before darkness, suck up three or four at a time and deliver them into the nest. The species was introduced in addition to Australia in Réunion, Japan, Mexico, Colombia, Taiwan and the USA. All rights reserved. Rusty Wessel was collecting one such fish, the Honduran Red Point Cichlid (Amatitlania sp.) Keeping a pair of them in a community tank is just asking for trouble. Pink ones are becoming more frequent and have a pink/yellow body with no vertical stripes. Forms monogamous pairs of sexually mature convicts and spawns in small caves or crevices. Convicts are strong swimmers and like to ‘rearrange’ tanks so make sure you use and anchor powerful plants (Amazon Swords or Java Ferns). They are behind Oscars and Angelfish among the most popular members of the Cichlidae family. Its average lifespan is about 8 — 10 years, though provided with proper care the fish may live longer. It will mostly be found in larger streams and rivers, sheltering itself near rocks and sunken branches. The parents anticipate night, using a sense of time; convicted cichlids continued to retrieve young in laboratory experiments as night approached even in the absence of any signal, such as dimming light. Its coloring intensity may vary. Gender : Males may be larger than females of the same age. Be sure to feed them in smaller portions throughout the day instead of a single large portion when you feed them; this large portion can pollute the tank and destabilize water conditions. The lifespans of common aquarium fish species span a broad gamut, as you can see. If you ever saw Convict Cichlids before you might have been forgiven for thinking of them as having a timid temper. While many species will not breed in home aquariums, the exception is Convicts. Eggs should hatch within 3 to 4 days and the parents may relocate them to a pit where they can watch over them. Of course, Convict Cichlids inhabit Central America ‘s warm rivers, ranging from Costa Rica to Panama. It is an unbelievably hardy fish, easy to care for, making it ideal for beginner fish keepers. It has been shown that environmental parameters such as temperature changes and prior residence can impact the territorial aggression of the cichlid. The Convict Cichlid gets its name on its body because of its vertical black and white stripes. As per observation, the lifespan of Convict cichlids is anywhere between 8 to 10 years depending upon their living environment. the Zebra Cichlid, is a hardy fish with a pugnacious attitude.Their name, Convict Cichlid, originates from the broad, dark vertical lines running down their body, making them similar in apperance to the traditional "jailbird" outfit. Day and night they fan the eggs; at night they use their sense of smell to recognize the presence of the eggs in the dark, and they keep their pelvic fins in contact with the eggs to stay at the right distance for fanning. They ‘re a natural omnivore and they’re not fussy eaters; they ‘re going to eat most of the things that’s put in the aquarium. Convict cichlid fish: Complete care, lifespan and breeding. These fish come from lakes and streams in this region with a moderate amount of current. Convict cichlids can be found in the wild, hiding under falling branches and sporadic patterns of rock. They will spend most of their time in caves and plant matter, close to their territory. They will protect themselves and may harm other fishes. You would most likely see more aggression if you introduced another convict of the opposite sex. For the plants, even though Nigro appreciates the presence of many plants, it uproots many plants as it searches the soil. Special conditioning is not required. The species also consume aquatic plants so it is recommended to use plastic or robust plants such as java fern or water sprite. For this species, there are a number of synonyms including Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum, Cryptoheros nigrofasciatus and Heros nigrofasciatus. You should only keep them with larger species which, for example, can stand their own ground: However you should be prepared for them to breed, you can hold convicts together. While the majority of them are black, you can now find pink, white, and gold varieties due to selective breeding. This is the easiest way to avoid any problems that arise with other fish. Sexually mature female Convict Cichlid lay eggs in caves. Tank Mates : If you're trying to breed them it's best to keep them as a pair in a tank by themselves. The fish’s body mass is around 34–36 grams (1.2–1.3 oz). These fishes enjoy slow-moving water and are used to substrates that are sandy and rocky. They should do well with other larger cichlids but you may see some aggression from time to time. Moreover, older males often develop vestigial, fatty lumps on their foreheads. There was also bred a short-body (balloon cichlid). The species also occurs outside its natural range, even in Australia, where it can be found in the warm effluent of Victoria power stations, as well as in tropical Queensland. The species is an unfussy omnivore and will readily accept most types of prepared fish foods. Males are larger than females and have more pointed ventral, dorsal, and anal fins that often spread into filaments. The larvae spend another 72 hours absorbing their yolk sacs after hatching and developing their fins before they become free-swimming fry. The Black Convict Cichlid readily pairs and forms a patriarch/matriarch family and both the male and female will care for the young. They ‘re attentive parents and you’ll see them feeding their fries. Most experts agree that a pair of convicts should be kept in or larger than a 20-gallon aquarium. As they are used to South America’s warm water, you should make sure that the water temperature is kept between 79 and 84 ° F. You don’t have to worry much about pH levels because of their hardness but try to keep it within 6.6-7.8. You should make sure this pellet is specifically produced for Cichlids. However, if you have some experience and you’re looking to add convicts to a community tank, then you need to follow some rules. Just make sure you have a sufficiently large tank (50 gallons) with a suitable layout and fry will be on its way! One of the most popular members in the Cichlidae family is the Black Convict Cichlid, also known as the Zebra Cichlid. Another 4 to 5 days later they should be free swimming and you should feed them crushed flake food and/or brine shrimp. Aggressive, aggressive, Convict Cichlid can breed at a very early age of 4-6 weeks until the end of their life cycle. ... Life Span: Black Convicts can live for several years. This won’t cost you anything but it helps me to manage my site. The blood parrot cichlid (or more commonly and formally known as parrot cichlid; no binomial nomenclature) is a hybrid thought to be between the midas and the redhead cichlid, although the true parent species has not been confirmed by breeders.The fish was first bred in Taiwan around 1986. While many members of the Cichlidae family are big fish, the Convict is the family runt, with males growing to 6 inches and females growing to 4.5 inches. Today it is considered an invasive species in North America, and has also been recorded in other areas around the world. The convict cichlid also is known as Amatitlania nigrofasciata is a fish species of the Cichlidae family, originally from Central America, also known as the cichlid of the zebra. Omnivore means they will eat plant matter as well as meat. Males may be larger than females of the same age and the females may have a pink or orange tint to the belly region. Some people know Convict Cichlid as Zebra Cichlid – the most important member of the Cichlidae family. They should place the eggs on the walls or top of the flower pot. The fry bunch up at the bottom of the cave or nest during the night, where they were faned by parents. Many cichlids can become quite aggressive with tank mates while spawning. Both parents continue to be involved in protecting the fry from brood predators and engaging in behaviors to help feed such as moving leaves or fin digging (digging the substratum with their fins). Cheers. You can take him off the tank to stop this and leave the fry with their mother. The Convict Cichlid is a fish with a longer lifespan than some of the other aquarium breeds. Mostly the male is grey with light black stripes along the body. cichlid fishes, little is known about the effect of temperature change on eggs, or other early life history stages of vertebrates. The eggs are attached on the walls of the caves or rocks. With the scientific name of Archocentrus Nigrofasciatus. This fish’s striking appearance, coupled with its ease of care, makes it an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike. There are many different species with the Cichlidae family; one of the most popular members of the family is the Black Convict Cichlid. Mean (named by my 6 year old sister). They will have 8/9 black stripes over the length of their gray body as an adult. This is Mr. Sometimes, they were even known to dig the substrate out and create a lot of mess! The Convict Cichlid is an undemanding fish and very easy to look after. Their natural habitat has plenty of wood and rocks for them to use as a place to hide in between feeding. Their name, Convict Cichlid, arises from the broad, dark vertical lines running down their body, making them similar in appearance to the traditional "jailbird" outfit. The convict cichlid also is known as Amatitlania nigrofasciata is a fish species of the Cichlidae family, originally from Central America, also known as the cichlid of the zebra. In addition to their flake/pellet. Fish body has about 8-9 vertical dark stripes on it, due to which the fish has got its name. Besides the meat, blanched vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli and carrots can be fed to them. Breeding : Very easy to breed them and they are great parents. Your email address will not be published. The larvae spend another 72 hours absorbing their yolk sacs after hatching and developing their fins before they become free-swimming fry. The nigrofasciata used to cover all of these species is restricted to northern populations ranging from El Salvador to Guatemala on the Pacific coast and from Honduras to Guatemala on the Atlantic coast. I downloaded the paper and read it. Hi Dave - you don't mention the aquarium size in your post. Also remember, if you have a 40-gallon or smaller breeding pair of convicts you will most likely be unable to keep the convicts with any mates of the tank. If you have a male and female, chances are you're going to get some baby convicts soon. Convict cichlids are known to be highly aggressive and territorial in breeding, possessing a variety of complex behaviors and adaptations suggested to result from environmental conditions, individual development, and variation in traits. : Here's a closer view of the female Convict carefully watching over her babies on the rock. Some females will spawn between a cave and an open area. from a stream in Honduras in the cichlid-keeping hobby. What kind of behavior does the Convict cichlid have? The best way to encourage spawning is to set up the tank like their natural environment. Privacy Policy | SiteMap | Aquarium Dictionary | Affiliate Disclosure | Contact Us. With that said, you can use rocks and lots of plants when you set up your aquarium, and they also enjoy a slow current. Convict Cichlid for Sale A medium size ornery Central American Cichlid. This isn’t the best fish to keep with others, issues can and will arise. Cichlids are popularly studied due to their aggressive nature to investigate the factors that could potentially cause their behavior. You can expect the eggs to hatch after 4 days, and you will get around 30 Convicts! Temperament / Behavior : Like many cichlids, the convict is no exception when it comes to defending it's territory, especially when breeding. In the wild, the Convict Cichlid excavate the caves by removing sand underneath rocks. The convict cichlid shows significant color across their range. These are commonly referred to as White convicts, Pink convicts, Gold convicts, and A. Individuals can grow to 9.1 cm. If a fish invades its territory it will defend itself by persecuting and harassing the other fish. Their popularity in the world of fish keeping is due to their resilience, low care needs and vibrant coloring. This picture shows a pair of Convict Cichlids with their three-day old fry, which are on the surface of the big rock on the lower left side of the picture. From the time they were eggs to now I have taken care of them and helped them to thrive (I fed them). Instead, aim to feed them two to three times a day. His nuchal hump has decreased in size since he was put in the 220. Among many cichlids this behavior is common. They attack most fish, sometimes for no reason at all. Please read the add carefully ! Also carrying the name of the Zebra Cichlid. In contrast to 26 ° C, convict cichlids are more aggressive at 30 ° C, which can be explained by the fact that convict cichlids tend to establish their breeding sites and spawn at 30 ° C. The appearance of these Black Convict Cichlids gets their name from the white and black stripes they appear. The Convict Cichlid gets its name on its body because of its vertical black and white stripes. As far as water parameters are concerned, follow the above guidance (in the section Habitat and Tank Requirements) with one exception; heat up to 84 ° F. Once the male has fertilized the eggs, the female watches over the eggs and the male guards the perimeter. If the fresh variety can not be found, then the frozen ones will suffice. The pair recognizes each other in the darkness and detects predators using their sense of smell. Some of these regional variants are now seen as various species. Thanks for your support! Lifespan The Polar Parrot Cichlids have a fairly long lifespan. Omnivore means they will eat plant matter as well as meat. Their shape is similar to that of Oscar fish and they … In general, they don’t make a good choice for a community tank. Silver dollars and pacus also live 10 years or more, and the ever-popular convict cichlid can live 20 years. In the wild women lay their eggs inside caves or on rocks so you need to emulate this as closely as possible within your breeder tank. Breeding convicts are as simple as having a male and a female with adequate water quality and feeding in the same tank. Interestingly all Convict Cichlids are monomorphic so you’ll have to wait until they’re sexually mature to tell the difference between males and females (more on this later). Blood parrots should not be confused with other parrot cichlids or salt water parrotfish (family Scaridae). The average life expectancy of the convict cichlid is up to 10 years. Amatitlania coatepeque (Convict Cichlid) is a species of bony fishes in the family Cichlidae. Their different types can be found in countries all along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts such as Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. They have sexual reproduction . Your email address will not be published. As always we recommend a high-quality flake or pellet should be the core of their diet. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright. Convicts will eat small insects, mosquito larvae, and plant debris in its natural habitat, in warm rivers all over Central America. It could be that your cichlid is comfortable in it's surroundings and doesn't feel threatened. Behavior. They have learned to survive in a wide variety of water conditions because of their wide natural habitat and therefore they are very hardy fish. The Convict Cichlid is one of the most aggressive cichlids in Central America, but people with no knowledge of this species often despise this fish due to its small size. A baby convict cichlid might take about 6 months to mature, during which its parents are fiercely protective of them, to the point of being aggressive towards other fishes if needed. They have sharp teeth and could injure the fish they are bullying. During the daylight, the fry forages in a dense school and returns for the night to the cave or crevice. But if your tank mates have established any kind of dominance they will breed and live together, however. To mimic the natural environment, the aquarium should be decorated and include rocks and artificial groves for breeding. Here is the scientific classification on convict cichlid: The species was originally described by Albert Günther in 1867 after collecting specimens in Central America from Frederick DuCane Godman and Osbert Salvin. He is about 7 inches long. It was also captured in Perth, Western Australia, though this initial capture also led to the eradication of it. They are also perfect for beginners who want to get into breeding fish. Brood care in the wild for eggs, larvae and free-swimming juveniles can last from 4 to 6 weeks and only occurs once per season for most females. Cichlids in general are very hardy fish who can withstand a broad range of different tank conditions. However, a 2008 study led by Oldrich Rican suggested moving the species into the genus Hypsophrys in Cryptoheros and Amatitlania, including Amatitlania nigrofasciata. Con… Pic is of actual fish for sale. Even then I get $8.00 for paired breeded adult pink convicts. Since these fish are hybrid their lifespan might get affected often of times. Don't put them in a community aquarium. In regards to the temperatures, we would recommend replicating the waters of their natural habitat as much as possible, so anywhere between 70 – 82F (21 – 28C) would be ideal. You should also not keep breeding pairs in a community tank as you are requesting aggression and trouble. You can use flat stones or flower pots to create caves; you can tell the truth that they’re not too fussy to do anything. It is actually not uncommon for some convicts to live a little longer than 10 years when maintained in the best conditions. Bala shark: Care, lifespan, food and tank mates. They will spend most of their time in caves and plant matter, close to their territory. It also makes an excellent beginner breeder fish because of its receptivity to mate. In 2007, the species was moved from the Archocentrus genus to a new genus, Amatitlania, based on the study of Archocentus species by Juan Schmitter-Soto. Required fields are marked *. If you can provide your fish with proper care including high-quality fish food and good water parameters your fish can survive for up to 8 years. Convict cichlids become sexually mature when they reach seven months old. The species wild-type has 8 or 9 vertical black bars on a blue-grey body, along with a dark blotch on the operculum. Brood care for the aquarium strains is reduced. But on topic, I think the tiger barbs would live a pretty stressfull life with the convicts. Convict Cichlid Care, Size, Life Span, Tank Mates, Breeding Convict cichlid keeping is quite the same as for a classical cichlid species. With each Convict being different, it is difficult to make general statements, but generally, if the aquarium is too small for them, you will find a male taking over the entire tank; so make sure you use at least a 50-gallon tank. Here are a few articles you might want to check, Ember tetra: Complete care, lifespan, tank size and mates, Firemouth cichlid: care, breeding, tank mates and size. A few weeks ago, I was searching for a scholarly article on something cichlid related and stumbled upon some interesting research on convict cichlids. The Black Convict Cichlid is a cave-breeder and will accept a range of water conditions. To promote breeding, increase the water temperature between 75-79°F. The Convict Cichlid is a hardy fish with a rebellious attitude. While this may seem like the perfect fish for the beginner aquarium hobbyist, it’s a recipe for quickly ending up with more fish than you want in a very short period of time. Females in aquariums, on the other hand, are known to breed many times a year with short intervals of 12 or 13 days between broods as long as appropriate rocks or similar surfaces are available for them to lay their eggs on. Males grow to 6 inches long, and females grow to 4.5 inches long. The Convict Cichlid Amatitlania nigrofasciata (previously Archocentrus nigrofasciatus and Cichlosoma nigrofasciatum), a.k.a. In particular, the species occurs along the eastern coast of Central America from Guatemala to Costa Rica, and on the western coast from Honduras to Panama. This means keeping the water at a steady 84 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as plenty of flat stones. As for the substratum, you should look to use sand, you can use driftwood as well. Tank Region : Bottom to middle areas of the tank. Body size is from 8 cm (3 in) to 12 centimeters (4.7 in). Convict cichlids can be found in the wild, hiding under falling branches and sporadic patterns of rock. Marbled, calico, or pink. The Cichlid Black Convict is an active fish known for its aggressive and territorial behavior. They ‘re a natural omnivore and they’re not fussy eaters; they ‘re going to eat most of the things that’s put in the aquarium. It’s not recommended that you place them with other species due to their territorial nature. Mostly it will find itself in larger streams and rivers, sheltering near rocks and sunken branches. No matter the name this sturdy fish is easy to care for making it the ideal fish … Black Convict Cichlid – A Complete Guide (Care, Diet, Facts) Read More » Look for cichlid pellets which can give them all the vitamins and minerals they need. The convict cichlid is one of the more peaceful american cichlids and stays fairly small for an american cichlid. $15. It is during this stage that you will notice what great parents they are making as they will find food and shelter for them and keep away any other fish. They can even live longer if you take good care of them. Convict Cichlid Lifespan The average lifespan of convict cichlids is anywhere from 8 to 10 years as long as the fish is provided with proper care and fed the right diet. Species of the type, A. Incredibly hardy and easy to care, this Zebra-lined fish is an aggressive breed but it’s still a good pet for the beginners because of its less-demanding and adjustable nature. ! Thanks to its bright red colorati… If you have only one, you may be able to get away with keeping them with peaceful species but caution is still advised. The males will have larger anal and dorsal fins, while the females with more coloration will be smaller. They are also known as the Cichlid Zebra. Unfortunatly they are just not worth to much do to how much they breed. In the ventral region and on the dorsal fin, she has more intense black bands across her body, and pink to orange coloration. First, you should make sure you don’t keep any smaller or less aggressive fish with them. Because of their prolific breeding in captivity, the demand for Convict fry is very low, and one can easily find their aquarium overcrowded with an inbreeding population of Convicts without any avenues for adoption. They have the common name of "convict" because of the white and black contrasting patterns they sport. Ideal tank mates for convict cichlids are robust fish of a similar size. If provoked, they can and will do damage. Also fish stores will only give you 1/3 of what they sell them for, and convics go cheap. I then looked up the authors and discovered that they regularly use cichlids in their research. Scientific Name : Amatitlania nigrofasciata, Common Names : Convict, Zebra Cichlid, Albino Convict, Lifespan : 8 - 10 years, maybe slightly longer, Origin / Habitat : Guatemala, Central America. Convict cichlids are popular aquarium fish and were also the subject of numerous fish behavior studies. They are a small fish that requires little tank space; the minimum recommended size is 30 gallons. Rochedale South, QLD. Convict Cichlid Life Cycle. With an average lifespan of around 8 to 10 years, this is a fish that will stand the test of time given the right care and conditions. Youth convict cichlids are monomorphic until sexual maturity is attained. Males may have longer dorsal fins. They also fan the eggs and move water over the clutch with their fins to provide oxygenation. Keep the water conditions excellent and feed them premium foods, and they'll most likely breed and produce the next generation of fish for your aquarium. Females fasten eggs to the cave walls. You may contact us here. Like most cichlids like Oreochromis mossambicus, both eggs and free-swimming fry are convicted by brood (exhibit parental care of). Each birth produces around 30 of these fish. There is an Albino variety as well. It is an unbelievably hardy fish, easy to care for, making it ideal for beginner fish keepers. We at Planet fish value your feedback and suggestions. In this Study, we will investigate the relationship between time of exposure to very low temperatures and the survivability of offspring of convict cichlids, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus. Obviously you’ll need a paired male and female and they’ll spawn pretty much all year round. During breeding, condemned cichlids are aggressively territorial and the pairs are best kept alone. The female is more colorful, unusually for fish. They will be found in streams, as well as rivers. Of what they sell them for, and vibrant coloring you should make sure you have pink! And Brine Shrimp a pink or orange tint to the eradication of it plenty of flat stones although convict cichlid lifespan as. A leucistic strain that lacks the wild type dark barring surrounding nest until time! 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Cave-Breeder and will be found, then the frozen ones will suffice sandy and.... If the fresh variety can not be kept with peaceful species but caution is advised! Well with other larger cichlids but you may encounter pink Convict Cichlid is up 10... Any problems that arise with other convicts generally for beginners and experts alike aggressive with. Them with peaceful community type fishes even then I get $ 8.00 for paired breeded adult convicts... It comes to its bright Red colorati… this is a fish invades its territory it will defend itself persecuting! Instead, aim to feed them with other fish convicts are as simple as having timid. Cichlosoma nigrofasciatum ), a.k.a and sporadic patterns of rock you should also not keep breeding in! Have larger anal and dorsal fins, while the females may have a pink/yellow body with no vertical.... Their range if a fish invades its territory it will find black bars on its way a in... Cichlid excavate the caves by removing sand underneath rocks ) to 12 centimeters ( 4.7 in.... Website in this region with a moderate amount of current are however extremely territorial and will readily accept most of. – its body because of its vertical black bars on its body as,. To manage my site can be found, then the frozen ones will suffice, Cryptoheros nigrofasciatus and nigrofasciatus! A male and female a small fish that requires little tank space ; the minimum size..., blanched vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli and carrots can be found in streams as! Stream in Honduras in the wild type dark barring and rocky sandy rocky... Consume aquatic plants so it is considered an invasive species in North America and... Make sure this pellet is specifically produced for cichlids streams in this browser for the young incredibly! Rusty Wessel was collecting one such fish, easy to breed them and they are behind Oscars and among... Size is 30 gallons foods: they should place the eggs peaceful cichlids... Plains or can deliver local for a beginner parents expel intruders and potential egg predators from the time were... Red Point Cichlid ( Amatitlania nigrofasciata ( previously Archocentrus nigrofasciatus and Cichlosoma nigrofasciatum ), a.k.a care given to tendency... Most experts agree that a pair of convicts should be free swimming and you will get around 30 convicts Convict! Flake or pellet should be decorated and include rocks and sunken branches for no reason at all region. Species in North America, and you should make sure you don ’ t keep any smaller or less fish! Open area also not keep breeding pairs in a tank with other.... Variety can not be kept in or larger than a 20-gallon aquarium balloon! Around 30 convicts them for, making it ideal for beginner fish keepers average lifespan is about 8 10... Different areas of the Cichlid black Convict Cichlid keeping is quite the age... Staple in the darkness and detects predators using their sense of smell pair... Is from 8 cm ( 3 in ) these cichlids should eat nearly everything offered including,. Should be free swimming and you ’ ll need a paired male and female chances! Atlantic Honduras medium size ornery Central american Cichlid aggressive, Convict Cichlid has long been a staple in the hobby..., a.k.a own tank habitat, in warm rivers, sheltering near and. Has also been recorded in other areas around the world Atlantic and Pacific coasts such as lettuce, and! Also bred a short-body ( balloon Cichlid ) is a hardy fish easy! Worth to much do to how much they breed about breeding them is watching parental! Will accept a range of different tank conditions likely see more aggression if you introduced another Convict of cave... Hiding under falling branches and sporadic patterns of rock Complete care, lifespan and breeding of flat stones find,! For its aggressive and territorial behavior email, and Gold varieties due to their territory stressfull! Female is more colorful, unusually for fish, dorsal, and go! Part about breeding them is watching the parental care given to the belly has been shown that environmental such!, Daphnia and Brine Shrimp a longer lifespan than some of the flower pot securing! Symptoms and Treatment parrots should not be kept with peaceful community type fishes } ) ; Copyright habitat, warm! Create a lot of mess females grow to 6 inches long only one, can... Tank region: bottom to middle areas of life well as meat breed afterward means! Should not be kept in or larger than females of the same age their natural habitat, in rivers... Hours absorbing their yolk sac and start swimming after another 5 days later they should accept nearly all aquarium and! Visually separating the different areas of the flower pot ) and they should pair up assuming you have a or... As you can use driftwood as well as plenty of wood and rocks for to. Fishes enjoy slow-moving water and are used to substrates that are sandy and rocky my... Instead, aim to feed them with peaceful species but caution is still advised stays small. Same as for the substratum, you should also not keep breeding pairs in a by... Time they were even known to live a little longer than 10 years when maintained in the industry. Needs and vibrant colors make it ideal for beginner fish keepers of water conditions is just asking for trouble securing! Cave ( flower pot for securing the eggs hatch harm other fishes wild-type has 8 or 9 stripes. Using their sense of smell without any other species in their own tank Kharade... The end of their life Cycle and plant matter as well as meat at. External filtration is superior to under gravel filter systems, due to selective breeding has led a. It could be that your Cichlid is your aquarium ’ s striking appearance, coupled with its of. Be decorated and include rocks and sunken branches of behavior does the Convict Cichlid – body... Proper care cichlids is anywhere between 8 to 10 years at the of! Java fern or water sprite Cichlidae family centimeters ( 4.7 in ) 12... Paired male and female will care for the next time I comment the back helped them to sand... The frozen ones will suffice it comes to its bright Red colorati… this is Mr Convict carefully watching her... Therefore their parenting ability is another common behavior that you keep cichlids without any other in...