The Convict Cichlid is has been found in a variety of habitats, from small creeks and streams, to the shallows of large, fast-flowing rivers. Taking sanctuary amongst submerged roots and the crevices of rocks, never straying too far from cover. Convict Cichlids are highly aggressive, especially when breeding, and are therefore best maintained in a species-only aquarium as they will think nothing of attacking fish several times larger than themselves. they are also available in a leucistic and a marbled form on occasion.
Synonyms | Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum, Cryptoheros nigrofasciatus, Heros nigrofasciatus |
Distribution | El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Introduced to numerous other countries. |
Sexual Dimorphism | Mature males grow larger and develop longer anal and dorsal fins. Female fish sport a dark spot in the dorsal fin, and brighter colouration when spawning. |
Maximum Size | 12cm (4.7″) |
Temperature | 24-28 deg C (75-82 deg F) |
Water Parameters | pH: 7.0-8.0, dH: up to 20 degrees. |
Compatibility | Non-community. |
Lighting | No special requirements |
Housing
The aquarium should be at least 4ft long for a single pair, with a much more spacious tank required for multiple specimens or if keeping with other cichlids. There should be plenty of hiding places amongst driftwood and rocky caves, and flower pots laid on their side are also much appreciated. If you wish to add plants then choose tough species such as Java Fern (Microsorum sp.) or Anubias sp. tied onto the wood, as plants rooted in the substrate will be dug up.
Feeding
Omnivorous and will accept most aquarium foods offered. Try to keep it varied with good quality carnivore and herbivore flakes, small sinking pellet foods, and a mixture of frozen foods such as white mosquito larvae, bloodworm, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp.
Breeding
Very easy to breed. When they are ready to spawn, both fish will intensify in colour, with the female fish then cleaning her chosen spawning site.
Following a courtship ritual, some 150 eggs will be laid/fertilised. The female will then take responsibility for tending to the eggs and the male will patrol the perimeter and vigorously protect them from intruders.
After 3 days or so the eggs will then hatch, witht he fry moving to a pre-dug pit in the substrate, where they will remain until the yolk sac is absorbed.
Once free-swimming the fry can be offered baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) and crushed flake foods.
The adult fish will continue to be devoted parents and will conitune to care for the fry for several weeks.