Convict Cichlid Feeding Guide
- Diet: Omnivore
- Frequency: Several small feedings per day.
- Pellet Foods: Yes (Cichlid specific blend, enriched with spirulina is best)
- Flake Foods: Yes (Cichlid specific blend, enriched with spirulina is best)
- Live Foods: Smaller fish, worms and snails will make an easy meal.
- Meat Foods: Animal heart and liver is good to feed occasionally.
What do convict cichlids eat?
Convict Cichlids are far from fussy eaters. They will eat pretty much anything you throw in the tank, but obviously, the goal is to raise your fish as healthy as possible, so here are our recommendations for the optimal Convict Cichlid Diet. The bulk of their diet should come from a high-quality fish flake or pellet.
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.
What are the best tank mates for convict cichlids?
The best tank mates to have around convict cichlids are schooling species or fish of similar size and aggressive temperament. Some good examples include Jack Dempsey fish, giant danios, and rainbow fish. 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.
How often should you feed convict cichlids?
3 times a dayAt 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. It's not the cheapest fry food on the market, but it's definitely one of the best.
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.
How big does a convict cichlid get?
The male Convict Cichlid can grow up to 6 inches, whilst the female will grow to around 4.5 inches.
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 can you tell if a convict is male or female?
4:035:54Sexing Black Convict Cichlids - Male or Female? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first most distinguishable feature on black convicts the difference between male and female isMoreThe first most distinguishable feature on black convicts the difference between male and female is the females are going to have that orange coloration on the bottom of their belly.
Do convict cichlids change color?
His body color changes from dull gray to flashy blue or yellow, and a prominent black stripe ("eyebar") appears across his face. This physical transformation signals to males and females alike that he's the top fish now and will vigorously defend his newly acquired breeding grounds.
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.)
Why is my cichlid moving rocks around?
Cichlids often move around the rocks in a fish tank because they are trying to hide from the bigger, meaner fish that are chasing them. Male cichlids stake out territories, and once they have their favorite area they will chase all other fish away.
Do convict cichlids eat cherry shrimp?
The convicts will appreciate the cherry shrimps and find them delicious. They'll also give the convicts a nice workout with all the chasing.
Do convict cichlids have teeth?
Do All Types of Cichlids have Teeth? Yes, all Cichlid species do have teeth.
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...
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, ...
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.
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.
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.
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. But you must take care to give them a healthy diet made up of a high quality fish food, adding sometimes even frozen foods as treats.
How many times a day should a cichlid eat?
When it comes to live foods they can love any cultured or caught food, like mosquito larvae or live black worms. Convict Cichlids must eat two or three times a day. If they don’t eat their food in one or two minutes, they should not be fed more.
What is the temperament of a convict cichlid?
The first thing to know about the temperament of a Convict Cichlid is that they are quite territorial and when wanting to provide good care, it’s essential to understand their aggressive tendencies. Anyway, when Convict Cichlid has the right environment with enough space and the right tank mates, this isn’t something to worry about.
How many bars does a black convict cichlid have?
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.
What color is a convict cichlid?
The body of Convict Cichlid is greyish-blue, while the bars covering it are black. The color of their body can vary, even though it usually is consistent. When buying a Convict Cichlid, make sure to look carefully at their color, sometimes the tank lighting tricks it by giving the idea of another pigment.
How big do cichlids get?
Size and Lifespan. Compared to other Cichlid species, these fish are smaller, their size is 5-6 inches when fully grown. This means that you can keep them in smaller tanks as well. These fish don’t require special accommodations, since they have a normal growth rate.
Why add Christmas moss to fish tank?
That’s why adding Subwassertang or Christmas Moss to their tank is a good idea, as it can help them reduce stress.
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 can you put in cichlid pellets?
In addition to the pellets and flakes, you can add fresh or frozen live foods such as Daphnia, Brine Shrimp, or black and blood worms, and blanched vegetables such as carrots, lettuce or broccoli.
How many gallons of water should a convict cichlid tank hold?
For optimum space and environment, the tank should be more than 50 gallons. Increased temperatures also causes the Convict Cichlid to be more aggressive.
What is a convict cichlid?
The Convict Cichlid is a popular aquarium fish kept by most people in their homes and offices. It is a member of the Cichlidae Family, native in the streams and rivers of Central America. The Convict Cichlid is also known as Zebra Cichlid because of its vertical white and black stripes. It is a relatively small fish that grows to approximately 6.5 ...
What happens if one of the parents is removed from a cichlid?
If one of the parents is removed, the remaining parent can perform all the task that pertain to taking care of the eggs or the fry. If your Convict Cichlid are living in a community tank, the male Convict Cichlid will get very aggressive during the breeding and brooding cycle.
What do the parents do during the hatching period?
During the hatching period, the parents keep off predators from the eggs. The female Convict Cichlid protects the eggs while the male Convict Cichlid guards the general perimeter. The adult Convict Cichlid also fan the eggs, day and night, using their fins to ensure the eggs are well oxygenated.
How do convict cichlids show aggression?
They show their aggression by biting and swimming towards their target at a very high speed in an attempt to chase them away.
How old are convict cichlids when they breed?
Breeding Convict Cichlids. Convict Cichlid are very easy to breed type of fish. At the age of seven months , they are old enough to start their own families. They are known to be serially monogamous, a male and a female Convict Cichlid form a pair and live in one territory and form a couple of very good parents.
Overview/Origin
Appearance
- (Credits to Jennyandernie) 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. A mature convict cichlid fish can have 8 to 9 black stripes across its grayish-blue body. However, the number of stripes depends on a fish’s genetic compo…
Behavior and Temperament
- Are convict cichlids aggressive?
Like other members of the Cichlidae family, convict cichlids display aggressive behaviors. They are likely to have territorial attitudes, especially when breeding. Convict cichlids protect their place and themselves against other fishes. Besides, they are categorized as “hardy.” They can easily a…
Lifespan
- How long do convict cichlids live?
The average lifespan of convict cichlids is roughly between 8 to 10 years. As per some fishkeepers, they may live slightly longer, provided that proper care and treatment are considered. - Common diseases
Despite being hardy, convict cichlids aren’t an exception to the common freshwater aquarium disease. They are vulnerable to pathogens and diseases, such as: 1. Swim bladder disease. If you suspect a convict cichlid fish are having difficulties staying afloat, it suffers from a swim bladde…
Size
- How big do convict cichlids get?
Male and female cichlids differ in size. A male convict cichlid fish grows up to 6 inches (15 cm.), whereas a female convict cichlid is smaller, averaging about 4.5 inches (11 cm.) Convict cichlids grow at a normal rate, so there’s no need for special treatment. Yet, you won’t be able to identify … - How many convict cichlids can be kept in a tank?
Convict cichlids exhibit aggressive and territorial behaviors; thus, it’s important to cater to a larger tank to accommodate their needs. It’s also worth noting that these cichlids are generally more active in the middle of the tank. On average, it’s recommended to put one cichlid fish for every 7 …
Tank Mates
- 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. If you still want to mix varied species, you’ll need fish species that venture a different water layer from what convict cichlids prefer. In this way, you’ll observe minimal territorial issues in the tank…
Breeding
- 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. Female convict cichlids are the ones who make the first m…
Summary
- Despite the convict cichlids’ aggressive and territorial behavior, they aren’t that hard to keep and breed. Further, understanding their behaviors and temperament is the key to make your journey easy-peasy. Their unique patterns and active nature make them a great collection that can entertain you when you’re bored. To sum it up, convict cichlids are best for: 1. Those who are ex…
Species Summary
Appearance
Size
- The average convict cichlid size is around 4-5 inches when fully grown.These fish are rather small compared to other cichlid species. The advantage of this is it means you can keep them in smaller tanks than other species as well. Convict cichlids have a fairly normal growth rate, so there are no special accommodations you’ll need to make in that department. It’s worth noting t…
Convict Cichlid Care
- Proper convict cichlid care requires you to have an understanding of the behavior and temperament of these fish. When it comes to their recommended tank and water requirements, these fish aren’t that challenging. However, things get a bit trickier when you start thinking about planning how they’ll get along with other fish. The next couple of sections will cover the basics o…
Food & Diet
- It’s important to have a strong understanding of their diet if you want them to live as long as possible. In the wild convict cichlids are omnivores and eat a mix of insects and plant matter to get nutrition. Because these fish are the opposite of picky eaters, beginners assume you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to their diet. We view it a...
Behavior & Temperament
- Understanding the aggressive tendencies of the convict cichlid is essential if you want to provide them with good care. These fish fit right in with a lot of their cichlid relatives and are quite territorial and feisty. However, this isn’t something to be worried about as long as you put them in the right environment. Giving these fish enough space and pairing them with the right tank mate…
Convict Cichlid Tank Mates
- Despite their potential to be aggressive freshwater fish, you do have some options when it comes to convict cichlid tank mates. However, it’s important to mention that this isn’t the safest possible option you can take. If you’re someone who doesn’t want even the slightest possibility of a fight or aggressive behavior in your aquarium, keep them alone. Community tanks do come with some e…
Breeding
- Breeding convict cichlids is a breeze. They might be one of the easiest freshwater fishes to breed in a home tank! The most important thing you can do is make sure their habitat is conducive to the breeding process. This means providing them with enough space (50-60 gallons ideally) and including some rocks and even a cave for the female to lay her eggs. Once you have the general …
Conclusion
- Convict cichlid care is not as hard as it seems. Once you understand their territorial and aggressive tendencies it actually becomes rather easy! These fish are an absolute delight to own, and they’re definitely one of our favorite cichlids. Their interesting pattern and active nature make them a very entertaining species. If you have any questions or stories about convict cichlids tha…