- Feeding. When not in captivity, Convict Cichlids would eat small worms and insect larvae. In the aquarium, the fish will eat commercial fish food.
- Tank Requirements. The Convict Cichlid is a very aggressive fish and it is best to keep only one pair in your tank. ...
- Breeding. The Convict Cichlid is an egg layer. Both the male and the female fish will care for the young. ...
What do convict cichlids eat?
Convict Cichlids feed on small insects, worms, plant matter, and algae in the wild habitat. They will happily eat nearly anything offered to them in the home tank.
What should I Feed my convicts?
In the home aquarium, they will greedily eat nearly anything offered to them. But a healthy diet should be made up of a high quality fish food, with occasional frozen foods added for treats. I prefer to feed my convicts Hikari Cichlid Gold Floating Pellets and have had great success with this high quality food.
What is the best fish food for cichlids?
To supplement the high-quality fish food, we would also recommend a regular feeding of both live and frozen foods such as blood worms, Tubifex worms, brine shrimp and Daphnia. Our Cichlids are obsessed with the freeze dried blood worms from Omega One.
How to take care of convict cichlid?
Warm water at a temperature of 75-79 °F is perfect for Convict Cichlid, with a ph about 6.6–7.8 and a hardness of 6 — 8 dGH, even though it can live under various parameters of water acidity and hardness. Taking care of this fish is easy because it isn’t a demanding fish.
How often do you feed convict cichlids?
At least 3 times a day will be enough. Our favorite fry food for Convict Cichlids and most other freshwater fish is the Ocean Nutrition Instant Baby Brine.
How many convict cichlids should be kept together?
As a schooling species they should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. They are a little unusual in that they can be semi-aggressive on occasion, nipping at slow moving, long finned fish like Gouramis and Angelfish.
Do convict cichlids eat plants?
If you want to rig up your cichlid tank with aquatic plants, you're facing a problem, because the cichlids don't just eat algae but also higher plants. Nevertheless, there are a couple of plant species that haven proven themselves as being “cichlid-proof”.
Do convict cichlids like light?
Originating from some of the deepest lakes in the world, cichlids thrive in dark, murky conditions full of plants, rocks and algae. If the lighting in your tank replicates these conditions, your cichlids will grow to their full potential both physically and mentally.
Do convict cichlids need caves?
Like most cichlids, the convict cichlid is a very territorial fish that often displays aggressive behavior, especially towards fish that infringe on its territory. Most individuals choose a small crevice or cave as their territory and defend it vehemently, even against much larger fishes.
How big do convicts get?
How Big Do Convict Cichlids Get? You can expect them to normally grow between 3 and 4 inches long but larger males may grow up to 6 inches. This is one of the few fish species where the males are larger than the females. Females can be identified by their smaller size and the single dark spot on their dorsal fins.
What fish go well with convict cichlids?
The 7 Best Convict Cichlid Tank MatesOscar fish. Many people are often surprised to hear that oscar fish – often referred to as a football with fins – are one of the best convict cichlid tank mates. ... Pictus Catfish. ... Firemouth Cichlid. ... Common Pleco. ... Bristlenose Pleco. ... Tiger Barbs.
What fish can breed with convicts?
Ideal tank mates for convict cichlids consists of robust similar sized fish. Such fish include T-Bar cichlids, Honduran red points, Green Terrors, Jewel cichlids, Salvini, Jack Dempsey, (Keep in mind as Dempseys outgrow the convicts territorial issues will become a problem.)
Can 2 convict cichlids live together?
Some fishkeepers have even reported success at keeping firemouth cichlids with a breeding pair of convicts, as long as both fish have separate territories in a large aquarium. With that being said, it's best to avoid trying this unless someone is very experience at fishkeeping.
Can you keep multiple convict cichlids together?
How Many Convict Cichlids Can Be in a Tank? Convict cichlids make for good tank mates for each other. As long as the tank is large enough, there is no reason why you cannot keep multiple convict cichlids in the same tank. While these fish do fine on their own, they can also live with other fish of their own species.
Can you keep two male convict cichlids together?
You can keep Convicts together however you should be prepared for them to breed. Also you should not keep breeding pairs in a community tank as you're asking for aggression and trouble.
How many convict cichlids can I have in a 55 gallon tank?
Convict Cichlids Up to three Convicts can be housed in a 55 gallon tank easily, four if you push it.
What to feed Convict Cichlid Fry
Well you got a pair of Convict Cichlids that have spawned and now yu will be wondering what to feed them. Most experts talk about feeding live feed like brine shrimp, micro worms, daphnia magna etc. to baby fish. So you would then be wondering as to where will you get all this stuff.
Watch Convict Cichlid Mother and Fry
In the aquarium world, when one talks about humps, the first thing that comes to mind, is the Flower horn. That's one of the cichli...
What do convict cichlids eat?
When not in captivity, Convict Cichlids would eat small worms and insect larvae. In the aquarium, the fish will eat commercial fish food. For variety, you can feed the Convict Cichlids on small pieces of vegetables, such as zucchini, cucumber, or lettuce. They will also enjoy blood worms.
How many convict cichlids should I keep in my tank?
The Convict Cichlid is a very aggressive fish and it is best to keep only one pair in your tank. If you wish to keep more of these lovely fish, you will probably need to separate the couples when one couple is breeding and when the fry are under four weeks old.
How long does it take for a convict cichlid to hatch?
The Convict Cichlid is an egg layer. Both the male and the female fish will care for the young. The adult fish will fan the eggs for the seventy-two hours it takes the eggs to hatch. The parent fish will continue to care for the young fish until the fry are about four weeks old. Both the male and the female adults are very protective of their young and will guard them should any other fish come near.
How big of a tank do you need for a convict cichlid?
The minimum tank size we would recommend for Convict Cichlids is around 25 gallons. If you have never kept a Cichlid fish before, then this is the species we would recommend to you. In their natural habitat, the Convict Cichlid can be found in streams and rivers across the entire length and breadth of Central America.
What is a convict cichlid?
Also known as Zebra Cichlids, the Convict Cichlid is a species of fish that is incredibly popular in the fish keeping hobby due to their low care requirements, and their beautiful coloring.
How long does it take for a convict cichlid fry to hatch?
It’s rare to lose a live Convict Cichlid fry. Once the eggs are hatched (usually around 3 – 5 days), you can begin feeding them some small brine shrimp or a crushed up fry food. Infusoria is also a great, healthy food for the fry to snack on. When the fry are young, it’s important that you feed them frequently.
What temperature should a cichlid tank be?
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.
How many convict cichlids can you breed?
These fish are incredibly easy to breed, and they breed very often, so if you are ready to start breeding them, expect a batch of at least 20 – 30 little convicts within the space of a few weeks. ...
Why is the zebra cichlid called the convict?
The name ‘Convict’ is drawn from it’s convict like colors of black and white stripes, hence the reason it’s also referred to as the Zebra Cichlid, however there are a couple of variations which are becoming increasingly popular such as the Black Convict Cichlid and the Pink Convict Cichlid. If you are interested in adding some Convict Cichlids ...
Can a convict cichlid breed with a female convict?
Any male Convict will breed with any female Convict. No funny dancing, no chasing around the tank. Just add a male and a female to a big enough tank with the correct layout, and you will be the proud carer of Convict Cichlid fry in no time. In the wild, the Convict Cichlids will lay their eggs on rocky overhangs, and in caves, ...
How big of a tank do you need for convict cichlids?
The suggested tank size for keeping convict cichlids is no smaller than 30 gallons. You should consider their aggressive behavior and territorial attributes when investing in a tank. But if you’re into breeding species, at least a 50-gallon tank must be used.
Where are convict cichlids found?
They are mostly found in Central America and across the Pacific Slope drainages of Guatemala, El Salvador, Northwestern Costa Rica, Honduras, and Rio Guaramo in Panama.
How long does it take for a convict cichlid to mature?
You’ll never identify a convict cichlid’s gender until it reaches full maturity (about seven or eight months). Regardless, these cichlids are serially monogamous. In fact, they’re one of the freshwater cichlids that are easy to breed. A pair of male and female convict cichlid is all you need to spawn a community all year round.
Why are convict cichlids called convicts?
Convict cichlids got the name “convict” because of black vertical bars that run down their bodies. It’s the standard convict cichlid variation, but their colors may vary according to their age, gender, and type.
Can you breed convict cichlids?
Unlike peacock cichlids that are “disciplined,” convict cichlids are aggressive and territorial. The safest way you can keep and breed cichlids is to keep that specific community in one tank alone.
What substrate do cichlids like?
Convict cichlids do best with a sandy substrate. This is because these fish will periodically do a bit of digging and rooting around, and a coarse substrate will end up scratching them. Author Note: This behavior isn’t constant by any means. These fish usually spend most of their time near the middle of the tank.
What factors can affect the lifespan of convict cichlids?
Author Note: Another factor that can influence the lifespan of convict cichlids is their genetics . If these fish are bred and raised by a subpar breeder, this could hinder their ability to live a long and healthy life. Purchasing from reputable sellers is an easy way to avoid this.
Why are hiding spots important in a cichlid tank?
Plants, rocks, and driftwood can help give all the tank inhabitants some element of privacy. In our experience convict cichlids are much less territorial when living in a large tank with plenty of places to hunker down.
How long do convict cichlids live?
Lifespan. The average convict cichlid lifespan is roughly 8 to 10 years. There have been plenty of instances where these fish have exceeded this range, but that’s the average assuming proper care is given.
What is the most popular cichlid?
The convict cichlid is one of the most popular species of cichlid you can find. Due to their unique look and straightforward care requirements, it’s only natural that they’re a go-to option for many freshwater aquarists.
What color are the bars on convict cichlids?
While the bars that cover the body of convict cichlids are black, the rest of the body is a greyish-blue.
Where do convict cichlids come from?
Convict cichlids ( Amatitlania nigrofasciata) are a freshwater species of cichlid that come from Central America. Their different types can be found in countries all along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts such as Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
Basic Facts
Good Paired With: Convict Cichlids, Other Aggressive/Semi-Aggressive Cichlid Species
Origins
They come from several countries in Central American region. Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras.
Appearance
Their dark to light gray color skin make them recognizable. Though they’re not vibrant, they’re still an aesthetically pleasing fish.
Breeding
These fish breed readily, but they’re difficult to manage. This is due to Convict Cichlids behavior becoming very aggressive during the breeding season.
Looking After Your Convict Cichlids
They are remarkable when it comes to adaptability. In the wild, they live in a variety of habitats and conditions.
Convict Cichlid Tank Mates
Convict Cichlids are some of the most aggressive fish. They attack most fish, sometimes for no reason at all. If provoked, they can and will do damage.
What To Feed Convict Cichlid?
A convict cichlid diet is classified as omnivorous. In the wild, they eat a variety of things. Invertebrates, such as small insects and worms and they eat many types of algae and plant matter.
What do convict cichlids eat?
In the wild, convict cichlids primarily feed on small insects, worms, plant matter and algae. In the home aquarium, they will greedily eat nearly anything offered to them. But a healthy diet should be made up of a high quality fish food, with occasional frozen foods added for treats.
What is the most interesting thing about convict cichlids?
One of the most interesting aspects of owning convict cichlids is watching the level of parental care that they give to their offspring. While guppies and many other fish will make a quick snack of their offspring, convict cichlids are extremely caring parents.
How long does it take for a convict cichlid to hatch?
The fry will begin to hatch in a few days, and after about a week, the convict cichlid parents will begin to herd the tiny fry around the tank.
How big do cichlids get?
With that being said, it tends to prefers moving water, and is often found sheltering in submerged branches and rock formations. The male convict cichlid grows up to 6 inches (15.2 cm) in length, while the female grows to an average length of 4 inches (10.2cm).
What is the easiest fish to breed in a tropical aquarium?
Breeding. Convict cichlids are among the easiest tropical aquarium fish to breed.
How big are convict cichlids?
Maximum Size: 6 inches (15.2 cm) for males, and 4 for females (10.2 cm) The convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is found throughout Central America, inhabiting a wide array of habitats. It is commonly found in streams and rivers, but it is also known to live in ponds and lakes with thick plant cover.
Do convict cichlids have to be housed?
Housing . Convict cichlids can be a messy fish, and should generally be housed in a spacious, species only tank.
What fish can you have around convict cichlids?
Some good examples include Jack Dempsey fish, giant danios, and rainbow fish.
How many gallons of water do convict cichlids need?
While single fish can do well in a small 20-gallon tank, pairs tend to fare better because they’ll be less stressed. For a pair of adults, a 30-gallon tank will suffice. These fishes originate from warm waters.
How do convict cichlids defend themselves?
The convict cichlid defends itself via a series of nips and charges aimed toward any fish that comes too near. Most of the time, their larger-than-life territorial displays do work in chasing away intruders and predators. However, in cases where it does not work, they will be forced to give up their territory.
What is a convict cichlid?
Like most cichlids, the convict cichlid is a very territorial fish that often displays aggressive behavior , especially towards fish that infringe on its territory . Most individuals choose a small crevice or cave as their territory and defend it vehemently, even against much larger fishes.
Where do convict cichlids live?
The convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is a small fish native to the waters of Central America. Different variations of the same species can also be found throughout the region, each with its own unique traits. Generally, the convict cichlid inhabits small lakes and streams with moderate flow rates.
Do cichlids have territorial territories?
Convict cichlids tend to keep to their own territory within the tank, so it makes sense to keep other fish that are territorial as well. Of course, the tank should be big enough that their territories don’t overlap. Otherwise, you’re just asking for trouble.
Can a convict cichlid be bare?
Please note, the tank should not be bare. The convict cichlid often finds security in rock formations or crevices created by fallen logs. It is important to create multiple hiding areas to choose from – especially if you are keeping several convict cichlids in the same tank.
Black Convict Cichlid
- Named after their black vertical bars, black Convict Cichlid coloration varies based on age, type, and gender. The standard Convict Cichlid variation, depending on genetic components, can have around eight bars which are the most essential thing that the sellers look for with these fish. You will likely have plenty of well-defined stripes if you are buying from a reputable shop. The body o…
Origin & Natural Habitat
- From Costa Rica to Panama, Convict Cichlid lives in the warm waters of Central America. Streams are the most common habitat where they can be found, enjoying slow-moving water and hiding in every possible spot, like rock patterns or fallen branches. Considered as very hard fish, they survive without any problem in a vast variety of water, due to their large natural habitat. For setti…
Food & Diet
- Convict Cichlids feed on small insects, worms, plant matter, and algae in the wild habitat. They will happily eat nearly anything offered to them in the home tank. But you must take care to give them a healthy diet made up of high-quality fish food, adding sometimes even frozen foods as tr…
Care Guide & Tank Requirements
- A spacious, species-only aquarium would be perfect for a messy fish like Convict Cichlid. The ideal tank size is about 30 gallons (100 liters), but a nonbreeding pair can be housed even in a 20 gallon tank. A soft and sandy substrate with smooth rocks, some driftwood roots, and branches placed in a way that formed a lot of caves and shady spots, would be a nice arrangement for the…
Breeding
- Convict Cichlids breed in nearly any proper environment so water quality, temperature or tank size, and other parameters are not that important to Convicts as they may be in other species. It is well to begin with a group of young fish and let pairs form naturally if you don’t have two sexed adults. Letting them pair naturally is important for these fish, because according to some studies. Convi…
Tank Mates
- Being in the Cichlid family, these fish tend to be aggressive so in small tanks it is advisable to not keep more than a couple of cichlids. Especially during the spawning time they become very aggressive and may attack other fish. If you want to keep them in the community, choosing a spacious aquarium is important as they are highly territorial. So important also is to choose stro…
Conclusion: Can You Keep Convict Cichlid in Your tank?
- As a small-sized fish, Convict Cichlid can be kept easily, they don’t require much tank space. It is recommended to choose wisely their tank mates, due to their aggressive and territorial nature. Going for other fish members of the Cichlid family is the best option. They can peacefully live together. Do you keep black Convict Cichlid on your tank? We would love to read about your exp…
Frequently Asked Questions
- Keeping Convict fish it’s easy, but sometimes we need extra information on different topics. We answer some of the most common questions about black Convict Cichlid.
Overview/Origin
Appearance
Behavior and Temperament
Lifespan
Size
Diet and Feeding
- What do convict cichlids eat?
Convict cichlids aren’t fussy about what you feed them. Yet, it’s important to note that giving them proper food and nutrition are required to keep them healthy. Besides, they aren’t bottom-dwellers (so consider giving them pellets or foods that tend to float). Moreover, convict cichlids are natur… - How often should I feed my convict cichlids?
Some fishkeepers tend to feed cichlids once a day in large portions, which is a leading cause of tank and water pollution. Creating a regular feeding schedule for convict cichlids is recommended. Nonetheless, these fishes should eat twice or thrice a day in small portions.
Tank Mates
Breeding
Summary