Tropical Fish Keeping - Aquarium fish care and resources » Tropical Fish Profiles » Convict Cichlids
Discuss the Convict Cichlids in our Cichlids forum.
Family: Cichlidae
Category: Cichlids
This fish is very hardy and is suitable for beginners as they do not grow large and are very easy to breed.
This fish has been seen bulldozing decorations around the tank so make sure all rock structures are well secured. Plants anchored to the substrate are out of the question as the convict cichlids will simply uproot them no matter how strong the plants can be as they dig through depressions. However, Javan ferns may be the best choice if you intend to keep plants in a tank with them. They do not require substrate to anchor themselves as they are able to cling on woods so they are considered immune to the destruction of the convict cichlids.
Sexual dimorphism is very easy. Males are often larger and have a more pointed tip on their dorsal fin. Females, on the other hand, are smaller with an orange patch on their bellies.
Convicts are one of the most prolific cichlids. They are very prolific to say the least almost rivalling the livebearers. The only difference is that they are egg layers. Breeding ritual starts with a male doing a vertical dance to impress the female. The female eventually joins and will set for work to clean a chosen site. Once satisfied, she will begin to lay a few eggs and will continue until about 200 or more eggs have been laid. Both parents will continue to fan and watch over the eggs taking turns in doing their responsibility. At this time, every inhabitant will be in critical danger as the convicts' aggression reaches at the highest level. This fish can easily stand up on fellow tankmates larger than itself. The female will start digging a pit before the eggs hatch. The eggs should hatch in 2-3 days. She will eventually move all her resulting fry into the pit and both parents will continue to watch over their fry even at the pont when fry begin to swim around looking for food. Any strays will be retrieved into the parent's mouth and spit toward the shoal. Convicts make great parents overall and will continue to breed as generations grow.
Convict Cichlids
Scientific Name: Cichlasoma nigrofasciatumFamily: Cichlidae
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About the Convict Cichlids
Species Type: Freshwater FishCategory: Cichlids
Care Level: Very Easy. Will tolerate a wide range of water parameters including pH, temperature and hardness. Can tolerate higher nitrate levels than other fish and is hardy enough to withstand the cycling process. Will readily eat prepared foods and has no special care requirements.
Origin: Central America
Compatibility/Temperament: 4
Description
Convict cichlids, also known as zebra fish or zebra cichlid, are very popular fish. They are rather small reaching 6 inches maximum. This fish is rather belligerent and will become downright nasty during spawning. It is not recommended to mix them with fish that are not able to defend themselves very well especially during spawning season.This fish is very hardy and is suitable for beginners as they do not grow large and are very easy to breed.
This fish has been seen bulldozing decorations around the tank so make sure all rock structures are well secured. Plants anchored to the substrate are out of the question as the convict cichlids will simply uproot them no matter how strong the plants can be as they dig through depressions. However, Javan ferns may be the best choice if you intend to keep plants in a tank with them. They do not require substrate to anchor themselves as they are able to cling on woods so they are considered immune to the destruction of the convict cichlids.
Sexual dimorphism is very easy. Males are often larger and have a more pointed tip on their dorsal fin. Females, on the other hand, are smaller with an orange patch on their bellies.
Convicts are one of the most prolific cichlids. They are very prolific to say the least almost rivalling the livebearers. The only difference is that they are egg layers. Breeding ritual starts with a male doing a vertical dance to impress the female. The female eventually joins and will set for work to clean a chosen site. Once satisfied, she will begin to lay a few eggs and will continue until about 200 or more eggs have been laid. Both parents will continue to fan and watch over the eggs taking turns in doing their responsibility. At this time, every inhabitant will be in critical danger as the convicts' aggression reaches at the highest level. This fish can easily stand up on fellow tankmates larger than itself. The female will start digging a pit before the eggs hatch. The eggs should hatch in 2-3 days. She will eventually move all her resulting fry into the pit and both parents will continue to watch over their fry even at the pont when fry begin to swim around looking for food. Any strays will be retrieved into the parent's mouth and spit toward the shoal. Convicts make great parents overall and will continue to breed as generations grow.
Convict Cichlids Diet
Convict cichlids are omnivorous and they will relish anything given to them. They are not fussy eaters.Size
Ideal water parameters for Convict Cichlids
The Convict Cichlids should be kept in an aquarium with the temperature ranging from 78 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, and a Ph of around 7.
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