- 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 can I Feed my convict cichlids?
Feeding 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 do convicts eat in aquarium?
The convict is not so selective when it comes to what they eat. Convicts primarily feed on worms, little insects, plant matters, and algae. However, the convict will eat anything you feed to them in the aquarium as long as it is edible.
What should you feed your convicts in prison?
Overall, the main aim is to feed your convicts with food that will help them grow healthy and strong. Therefore, it is essential to rationalize whatever you are feeding them to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
What kind of fish is a convict cichlid?
Convict Cichlid Fish – The Care, Feeding and Breeding of Convict Cichlids. 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.
How often do you feed convict fish?
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.
Can I feed my convict cichlids?
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.
How do you take care of a convict fish?
1:297:03Convict Cichlid | Care Guide & Species Profile - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey can live in hard water with a ph level between 6.5 and 8 and a water temperature between 79 andMoreThey can live in hard water with a ph level between 6.5 and 8 and a water temperature between 79 and 84 degrees. Even though they are hardy fish and can withstand levels slightly outside these ranges.
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.
What vegetables can convict cichlids eat?
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.
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.
How long convict fish live?
Brief OverviewScientific NameAmatitlania nigrofasciataLifespan8 to 10 YearsTemperamentAggressiveTank LevelMidwaterMinimum Tank Size30 gallons15 more rows•Mar 24, 2022
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.
What fish can convicts live with?
T-Bar Cichlids, Honduran Red Points, Jewel cichlids, Green Terrors, Pictus catfish, and the Jack Dempsey are only a few of the fish you can keep in a tank with convict cichlids to ensure all the fish live to their full potential and are safe from being harmed within their own homes.
What does Convict Cichlid eat?
The ideal diet for convict cichlids is a mix of pellets or flakes with live food options as well. This will ensure that they get the necessary variety and nutritional intake to stay healthy. Our two favorite live foods to give them are brine shrimp and bloodworms.
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 convict fish grow?
The male Convict Cichlid can grow up to 6 inches, whilst the female will grow to around 4.5 inches.
Do convict cichlids eat other fish?
In the wild these fish are omnivores. They will eat absolutely anything that they can fit in their mouths. Convicts snack on smaller fish, crustaceans, insects and algae. In the aquarium Convict Cichlid will eat anything that you give them.
How long does it take for convict cichlids to mature?
The convict cichlid can reach sexual maturity as young as 16 weeks, though sexual maturity more commonly occurs at 6 months. Sexually mature convicts form monogamous pairs and spawn in small caves or crevices.
How can you tell if a Convict Cichlid is male or female?
4:075:54Sexing 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.
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 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.
How many gallons of water should I use for a convict cichlid?
If a person is planning to breed convict cichlids, or hopes (and I stress the word hopes) to keep them in a community tank, then they should be kept in at least a 55 gallon (208 litre) fish tank. A pair of breeding convicts will terrorize any tank that they are housed in, and will viciously attack anything that comes near their nest. It’s not unusual to see a breeding pair of cichlids take on a much larger fish, and some have been known to attack fish nearly twice their size.
What kind of filter should I use for a convict cichlid tank?
If choosing an HOB filter, I would strongly recommend choosing an Aquaclear Power Filter for a convict cichlid tank. This filter combines excellent filtration with a durable design, and it will keep your tank sparkling clear for years to come. You can also read the Aquarium Tidings Aquaclear Filter Reviewhere.
What is the easiest fish to breed in a tropical aquarium?
Breeding. Convict cichlids are among the easiest tropical aquarium fish to breed.
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 to simulate a convict cichlid's natural habitat?
Since convict cichlids prefer to lay eggs on rocky overhangs in the wild, the easiest way to simulate their natural habitat in the home aquarium is to provide them with overturned clay pots . Stacks of rocks will also work, and they have also been known to lay eggs in PVC pipe “caves”, but nothing seems to beat the simple clay pots.
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.
What is the best fry food for convict cichlids?
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. You need to give your fry the best possible start if you want them to grow into healthy and vibrantly colored adults.
What is the best food for cichlids?
The bulk of their diet should come from a high-quality fish flake or pellet. The majority of brands will work well, but we highly recommend that you choose a food that is specifically made for Cichlids, such as the New Life Spectrum Cichlid Formula.
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.
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.
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 ...
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 to make a convict cichlid fry?
Steps - Preparing Powder dry feed for Convict Cichlid Fry. Use the powder making blade and container that comes with your blender set. Make sure the powder maker container is dry. Pour in a fair amount of regular pellets into the container.
Can you feed a convict cichlid fry pellets?
If you are dealing with Convict Cichlid Fry, you need not bother yourself with all that hassle. You can simplify the whole thing by feeding them pellets. Yes! I did say pellets. The most common food people feed their fish. The same thing that most people feed the adult convict cichlids.
What do convicts eat?
In the wild, the convicts' diet is composed of various sources including crustaceans, small fish, insects, worms, plants, and algae. The fish are therefore naturally omnivores and are not fussy feeders when kept in an aquarium. They will eat most fish foods that are placed in the tank.
How Do You Take Care of a Convict Cichlid?
As mentioned before, the best way to care for your convict cichlid is by replicating their wild environment and diet.
How long do convict cichlids live?
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. It is actually not uncommon for some convicts to live a little longer than 10 years when maintained in the best conditions.
What do cichlids eat?
They also prefer moving water with a ph range of 6.6 to 7.8. Convict cichlids mostly feed on small insects, worms, plant matter, and algae, hence in the aquarium, they will eat almost anything offered to them. However, a good-healthy diet should be made up of high-quality fish food with occasional frozen food treats.
What is the most important part of breeding convicts?
The most crucial part of breeding convicts is a fishkeeper understanding that these fish are prolific breeders, though the process followed will determine whether you end up with joys or woes.
Where do convict cichlids come from?
The convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is a popular, freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae native to Central America. It is also called black convict cichlid or zebra cichlid which is derived from the fish appearance.
What fish species are in an aquarium?
You’ll find hacks and insight on common aquarium fish species such as betta, cichlids, tetras, guppies, danios, barbs, gouramis, goldfish, mollies, platies, killifish and more .
Why are convict cichlids so popular?
Because of their appealing look , convict cichlids have been sought after in the aquarium scene for many years. This has led to some concern of overfishing/capturing, but so far the population hasn’t been impacted outside of normal levels of fluctuation.
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.
Why do convict cichlids have white spots?
It might be a change in behavior (like malaise or disinterest in eating) or something visible on their body. For example, if your convict cichlid has Ich you’ll see white spots on their body that will progressively get worse as the disease spreads.
How did the convict cichlid get its name?
Appearance. Convict cichlids get their name from the series of black vertical bars that run down their bodies. The coloration can vary based on age, gender, and type, but we’ll speak to the standard convict cichlid variation that most people know about.
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.
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 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.
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 to prevent issues with other fish?
For a beginner, the easiest way to prevent issues with other fish is keeping Cichlids with no other species. If you want to add a Convict Cichlid in a community tank then you must make sure that there are any small or less aggressive fish, they can be kept easily with larger species like:
How much space do convict cichlids need?
Having at least a 30-gallon tank it’s important, even though it’s hard to make general statements because each fish is different.
Why add Christmas moss to a cichlid tank?
That’s why adding Subwassertang or Christmas Moss to their tank is a good idea, as it can help them reduce stress. You will see them try to do some digging, but most of the time Convict Cichlid fish stay in the middle of the tank.
What temperature should a prison cichlid tank be?
A: The Convict Cichlids likes warm waters, and the water of their natural habitat would be perfect, so make sure to keep your tank temperature around 75 – 79 F.
Why is it important to let a cichlid pair?
Letting them pair naturally is important for these fish, because according to some studies . Convict Cichlid females can turn into pessimists when separated from partners or when you let them with an unwanted partner.
What family is the convict cichlid?
Curious about Convict Cichlid? That is what we are talking about here! Convict Cichlid is a very interesting fish belonging to the Cichlidae family.
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 big do convict cichlids get?
The convict cichlid is a small fish species that grows to a maximum of 6 inches (15 cm), making them good options for smaller aquariums. Males grow larger than females.
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.
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.
Why is fiddling around with the tank counterproductive?
Fiddling around with the tank is often counterproductive since it causes stress to the fishes.
What is the best way to defend your territory from fish?
Most individuals choose a small crevice or cave as their territory and defend it vehemently, even against much larger fishes.
How to take care of convict cichlid?
The convict cichlid is super easy to take care of, making it a beginner-friendly fish. Maintaining the proper water conditions, creating the right environment, and feeding your convict cichlid are simple , straightforward tasks .
What to put in a cichlid tank?
Logs, driftwood, rocks, and plants make great hiding spots for fish. Adding these elements to your tank gives your cichlid fish plenty of privacy, which helps prevent aggressive behaviors.
How long do convict cichlids live?
With the proper care, aquarium convict cichlids can live for 8-10 years. Keep in mind, this is just an average. Your own fishy friends might live longer or shorter.
What substrate do cichlids dig?
Convict cichlid fish have a tendency to dig, making it vital to choose the right substrate. Something soft, like sand, will allow your fishy friends to dig away without getting scratched.
What is the habitat of convict cichlids?
The convict cichlid’s natural habitat consists of gently flowing water and sandy substrate. Its rivers and streams contain rocks and driftwood, giving these fish discreet places to hide.
When do convict cichlids breed?
Convict cichlids are ready to breed when they are about 4-7 months old. After the female convict cichlid lays the eggs, the male fertilizes them. Once the eggs have been laid, the breeding pair is on their guard, ready to defend their eggs from any threats.
Do convict cichlids need space?
Remember, the convict cichlid needs lots of space . Forcing this aggressive species to share a small tank with other fish is just asking for trouble!
What is a convict tang?
Convict Tangs (Acanthurus triostegus) might not be the most colorful saltwater fish you can find, but with their flashy stripes and charming personality, these surgeonfish can be wonderful additions to the right saltwater tank. The black stripes on this tang harken to an old-fashioned prison jumpsuit, hence the name Convict Tang. In the wild, Convict Tangs live in large schools and spend their days foraging for food, namely seaweed/marine algae. Convict Tangs can be aggressive toward other tangs and fish of similar body types, but they are typically peaceful with other nonaggressive fish.
How long do convict tangs float?
The Convict Tang larvae float along with plankton for approximately two months, after which time they make their way to sheltered places like tide pools where they are semi-protected as they continue to develop. Once large enough, juvenile Convict Tangs will venture out and join a school of other Convict Tangs.
How big do convict tangs get?
The top of the dorsal fin is painted with a pop of yellow. Convict Tangs can grow up to about 8 inches long, but many juvenile Convict Tangs available for purchase are smaller, ranging from less than an inch to about 6 inches long.
What do tangs eat?
Tangs are primarily herbivores, although many Convict Tangs also enjoy eating meaty foods like mysis shrimp and brine shrimp.
How many gallons of water do tangs need?
To allow enough space for swimming, Convict Tangs should be housed in tanks that are a minimum of 100 gallons (the bigger the better) and a minimum of 6 feet in length.
Where do convict tangs live?
Origin and Distribution. The Convict Tang is a widespread species found in tropical waters throughout the world, including the Indo-Pacific, the Hawaiian Islands, the eastern Pacific (south from the Gulf of California through Mexico down to Panama, including the Revillagigedo Islands, Clipperton Island and the Galapagos Islands).
Do tangs eat crabs?
Convict Tangs do not tend to bother invertebrates like crabs and shrimp, and generally leave corals alone as long as they are getting enough to eat. They will graze on unsightly algae growing in the tank, making them excellent housekeepers.