The convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is one of the smallest and hardiest Central American cichlids, making it a popular choice among aquarists. Despite its manageable size, this species is known for its aggressive and territorial behavior, especially during breeding. Choosing suitable tank mates for the convict cichlid can be a challenge due to its feisty nature, which makes it prone to picking fights even with larger fish.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the convict cichlid’s natural habitat, how large it can grow, and the best practices for keeping it in an aquarium. We’ll also cover essential care topics, including feeding and breeding, so you can successfully maintain these fascinating fish in your tank.
Contents
Habitat in the wild
The native range of the convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) extends across Central America, specifically in countries such as Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. They are commonly found in high-altitude lakes of volcanic origin, with Lake Atitlán and Lake Amatitlán in the Guatemalan Highlands being notable habitats.
Unfortunately, convict cichlids have become invasive species in several regions outside their native range, largely due to their adaptability, aggressive behavior, and prolific breeding. Populations introduced from aquariums have established themselves in local ponds, creating stable populations in Australia and North America. In the United States, convict cichlids have been reported in several southern and southwestern states, including Texas, Florida, California, Arizona, and Louisiana. Their presence can have detrimental effects on native fish populations through competition for resources and predation on smaller species, thanks to their aggressive nature and high reproductive rate, which allow them to quickly establish and expand.
In their natural biotope, convict cichlids prefer ponds with rocky bottoms and plenty of shelters. They are seldom found in open waters, as they thrive in environments with abundant hiding spots that provide security and breeding areas. Their versatility allows them to adapt to a range of water conditions, making them resilient in various habitats.
In 2007, systematic revisions led to the separation of the convict cichlid, along with three newly described similar species, into a standalone genus. However, this designation, Amatitlania nigrofasciata, has not remained unchanged over time. Today, the species is recognized under the name Amatitlania nigrofasciata, although it has several synonyms, including Archocentrus nigrofasciatum, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum, Cryptoheros nigrofasciatus, and Heros nigrofasciatus. These taxonomic changes highlight the ongoing research and classification efforts in ichthyology, reflecting the complexities of fish diversity and evolution.
Description
Body
Convict cichlids have a compact and robust body shape, characterized by an oval silhouette that is slightly elongated, particularly in males. This body design contributes to their agility in navigating through rocky environments. Their eyes are typically dark or black, which contrasts sharply with their striking coloration. Convict cichlids are most recognized for their bold black stripes against a lighter background, creating a distinctive pattern that adds to their visual appeal. On average, these fish can grow to about 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) in length, making them a manageable size for many aquariums.
Color
The coloration of convict cichlids varies significantly depending on their gender and mood. Males typically display a striking pattern of vertical black stripes running along their silver-white or gray bodies. These stripes become more pronounced during breeding or when the male is exhibiting aggressive behavior, serving as a visual signal to potential rivals or mates. The fish usually features about 8 to 9 prominent vertical dark stripes, which is how it got its name. Interestingly, the stripes located just beneath the gill cover have a distinct break, resembling the letter “U,” adding to their unique appearance.
Their fins are generally transparent with a slight greenish tint. Males tend to have more elongated and pointed fins compared to females, which can enhance their visual presence during displays. This fin shape not only contributes to their striking appearance but also plays a role in their swimming agility and territorial displays. Overall, the vibrant coloration and distinctive markings of convict cichlids make them captivating additions to any aquarium.
There is a color variant of the convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) known as the pink convict cichlid, which exhibits hues ranging from pale pink to vibrant red. This color variation does not occur naturally in the wild; rather, it results from selective breeding and genetic mutations within captive populations. Breeders select for specific color traits, leading to the development of these striking pink or reddish morphs.
The intensity of the pink coloration can vary significantly among individuals, with some displaying more vibrant shades than others. Pink convict cichlids have become popular in the aquarium trade due to their unique and eye-catching appearance, making them a favored choice among aquarists looking to add a splash of color to their tanks.
Despite their striking looks, it’s crucial to recognize that the care requirements for pink convict cichlids remain the same as for their wild-type counterparts. Ensuring proper water conditions, tank mates, and nutrition is essential to maintain their health and well-being in captivity.
The marble convict cichlid is a stunning color morph of the convict cichlid (amatitlania nigrofasciata) that captivates aquarists with its striking marbled or mottled pattern. Developed through careful selective breeding in the aquarium hobby, this variation does not occur naturally in the wild, making it a unique treasure for fish enthusiasts.
Typically, the marble convict cichlid showcases a captivating blend of colors, including deep blacks, bright whites, soft grays, and occasional hints of yellow or orange. The swirling patterns on their bodies resemble marble, providing each fish with a distinct and attractive appearance. This diversity in patterns and color intensities makes every marble convict cichlid a unique addition to any tank, enhancing its appeal in the aquarium trade.
Behaviorally, marble convict cichlids mirror the traits of their wild-type counterparts. They are known for their aggressive and territorial nature, particularly during breeding. Therefore, it’s essential to choose tank mates carefully to prevent conflicts. By creating a suitable environment and adhering to the same care requirements as standard convict cichlids, aquarists can relish the beauty and personality of these remarkable fish while ensuring their health and well-being.
With their striking appearance and engaging behavior, marble convict cichlids offer an exciting experience for both novice and experienced aquarists alike, making them a valuable addition to any freshwater aquarium.
Size
Convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) exhibit sexual dimorphism, showcasing intriguing differences in size and shape between males and females. Understanding these differences can enhance your appreciation of these fascinating fish.
Male Size: Adult males typically grow to about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length, measured from the tip of their snout to the end of their caudal fin. Males are generally larger and have a more elongated body shape, which can make them appear more streamlined in the water.
Female Size: In contrast, adult females are usually smaller, reaching about 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm) in length. They tend to have a rounder body shape, which can make them look fuller, especially when they are carrying eggs.
These size differences are not just for show; they often influence behavior during breeding and territorial displays. Additionally, while size is a key indicator, male and female convict cichlids can also be distinguished by their coloration and fin shape, with males often exhibiting more vibrant colors and longer, more pointed fins compared to their rounder, less colorful female counterparts. Understanding these traits can help aquarists create balanced communities and promote successful breeding in their tanks.
Lifespan
Convict cichlids are not only captivating fish but also have an impressive lifespan that can make them long-term companions in the aquarium. In captivity, these fish typically live for around 5 to 8 years. However, with proper care, some individuals can thrive for up to 10 years or even slightly longer.
Growth rate
Convict cichlids are fascinating fish that exhibit a moderate growth rate, making them an intriguing choice for aquarists. Understanding their growth patterns can enhance your experience in keeping these vibrant cichlids.
On average, convict cichlids can reach about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in the first few months of their lives. By the end of their first year, they typically grow to a size of around 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm) in length. It’s important to note that individual growth can vary due to several factors:
- Genetics: Inherent traits that influence growth potential.
- Water Quality: Maintaining optimal conditions is vital for healthy growth.
- Diet: A balanced diet promotes faster and healthier growth.
- Overall Care: Regular maintenance and attention to their needs contribute to optimal development.
As convict cichlids approach maturity, their growth rate tends to slow. After reaching their adult size, growth becomes more gradual, with an emphasis on maintaining health rather than rapid expansion.
Among the color variations you may encounter is the fconvict cichlid, characterized by its pinkish and yellow hues, with dark-colored eyes. While breeding and care are similar to standard convict cichlids, this variation showcases the diversity available in the hobby. Other appealing color morphs, such as blue, green, or even gold, have also gained popularity, enriching the experience of keeping these captivating fish.
Observing the growth and development of convict cichlids can be a rewarding journey, adding to the enjoyment of maintaining a lively aquarium.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Amatitlania nigrofasciata |
| Common Name | Convict Cichlid, convict fish, |
| Native Range | Central America (Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala) |
| Size | Up to 6 inches (15 cm) for males, slightly smaller for females |
| Lifespan | Average lifespan of 5-8 years |
| Aggression | Highly aggressive, especially during breeding and defending territory |
| Coloration | Males: Vertical black stripes on a silver-white or gray body; Females: Less prominent stripes or solid coloration |
| Body Shape | Compact and robust |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Males are larger and more brightly colored than females |
| Breeding Behavior | Monogamous pairs, construct nests, and both parents care for eggs and fry |
| Habitat | Freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds |
| Diet | Omnivorous, feeding on insects, small crustaceans, plant matter, and detritus |
| Preferred Water pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Preferred Water Temperature | 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
| Compatibility | Can be aggressive towards other fish; choose tank mates carefully |
| Common Invasive Species | Established populations in certain regions of the United States |
| Conservation Status | Not evaluated |
Difficulties in keeping
Zebra convicts are captivating fish known for their striking appearance and intelligent behavior, making them a popular choice among experienced aquarists. However, they are best suited for those with a background in keeping cichlids due to their specific needs and temperament.
While zebra convicts are relatively easy to care for, they thrive best in conditions that closely resemble their natural habitat. Creating optimal tank conditions involves providing ample hiding spots with rocks and plants, using sandy or fine substrate for digging, and maintaining stable water parameters, including appropriate temperature and pH.
If you don’t plan to breed them, it’s advisable to keep only one species in a tank to avoid spawning aggression. Although zebra convicts are not particularly difficult to manage, their aggressive nature and tendency to dig can disrupt tank mates and decor. It’s often best to keep them either alone or with other compatible Central American cichlid species in a spacious aquarium to accommodate their territorial behavior.
In summary, zebra convicts can be a rewarding addition to a well-managed aquarium, offering both beauty and personality. With the right care and environment, they can thrive and provide an engaging experience for the aquarist.
Care and keeping in a tank
Tank size
The optimal setup for convict cichlids typically involves keeping a pair of fish. One of the most crucial factors to consider is their strong territorial nature. Convict cichlids are known for being aggressive, particularly during breeding and when defending their nests. This territoriality greatly influences the minimum tank size and the arrangement of the environment.
For a couple of young convict cichlids, a tank with a capacity of 100 liters (26 gallons) can suffice. However, as they mature and begin to breed, it’s essential to upgrade to a larger tank, ideally around 250 liters (55 gallons). If you’re considering keeping multiple convict cichlids together, providing ample space is vital to help reduce aggression and minimize stress.
Larger tanks with open swimming areas are highly desirable for zebra convicts. For a community setup that includes other species, a tank size of at least 110 gallons (416 liters) is recommended. This larger space allows for sufficient hiding spots and territory boundaries, which can help distribute aggression among the fish and reduce potential conflicts.
Monitoring the behavior of convict cichlids when kept in groups is crucial. If aggressive interactions become significant, it may be necessary to rehome or separate certain individuals to ensure the well-being of all the fish.
It’s important to note that the discussion here primarily concerns community tanks where other species will also reside. For a species-specific tank, a smaller capacity may be adequate, as the focus will be on the needs and behaviors of the convict cichlids alone.
Water parameters
Convict cichlids are adaptable and can thrive in a range of water parameters. Ideally, the tank water should have a pH of about 6.5 to 7.5 and a hardness level between 6 and 20 dGH.
In their natural habitats, convict cichlids experience a wide temperature range. During the day, the water temperature typically hovers around 26 to 29 °C (79 to 84 °F), while it cools down at night. These fish are capable of living in volcanic lakes situated at approximately 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) in elevation. If the room temperature where the aquarium is located stays above 21 °C (69.8 °F), a heater may not be necessary.
Tank setup: decorations and plants
Convict cichlids are relatively undemanding and easy to care for, but attention to the tank environment is essential, especially if other species are present. Incorporating larger-grained substrates, along with driftwood, roots, and stones, creates a comfortable habitat for these fish.
Each pair of convict cichlids should have its own shelter with natural boundaries. Neglecting this can lead to constant territorial disputes. While it’s possible to zone territories using plants, it’s crucial to choose robust and tolerant species, as convict cichlids are known for digging and may uproot delicate plants.
For substrate, avoid sand; instead, opt for small- or medium-sized gravel, which provides a suitable environment. Surrounding plants with larger stones can help prevent them from being disturbed by the cichlids.
When it comes to lighting, ensure it meets the needs of the plants in the tank, as convict cichlids are not particularly sensitive to lighting conditions. This thoughtful setup will help create a balanced and harmonious aquarium environment for your fish.
Filtration
A well-maintained tank for convict cichlids requires effective filtration and aeration, along with regular water changes of about one-third of the tank volume each week. It is advisable to use a robust canister filter, as convict cichlids are known for their digging behavior, which can disrupt standard filtration systems. Proper filtration will help maintain water quality and ensure a healthy environment for your fish, promoting their overall well-being.
Diet
In the wild, convict cichlids feed on a diverse diet that includes insects, their larvae, worms, fish juveniles, and aquatic vegetation. As omnivores, convict cichlids readily accept a wide variety of foods in captivity. You can provide them with high-quality cichlid pellets, tablets, and flakes enriched with spirulina, as well as options like bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp. To minimize tank pollution from leftover food, it’s best to feed them small portions twice a day.
While live food can be appealing, it poses risks of bacterial and fungal infections, as well as parasites. Additionally, overfeeding can quickly degrade water quality. In contrast, artificial foods are a safe and nutritious option. Incorporating spirulina-based foods several times a week is beneficial, as plant matter is essential for the proper functioning of convict cichlids’ digestive systems.
Be mindful of their tendency to overeat; feeding them once or twice a day in small portions will help maintain their health and prevent complications.
Tank mates
When keeping convict cichlids together with other fishes, there may be two situations.
The first situation when the coinhabitance is peaceful and trouble free, and the second one, when they demonstrate aggression towards their tank mates. The problems arise either during the spawning period or when other fishes intrude on their territory. When protecting it, convict cichlids fearlessly attack anyone, even unequal rivals.
In small tanks, it is recommended to keep a couple of convict cichlids. These species become very aggressive during the spawning period and any other time – it may attack other fishes. You must ensure that each male has at least one male.
Cichlids of equal size will be the best tank mates in this case: firemouth cichlid, blood parrot, kribensis, angelfish. While they won’t be able to live with African cichlids (like mbuna) since both species are territory dependent, and they fight till death for their shelters.
They get on well with active fishes that dwell in middle water layers: tiger barbs, swordtails, bala sharks. However, various bottom-dwelling species (clown loach, panda cory, pictus catfish, bristlenose pleco) are not always compatible with convict cichlids. This is because cichlids lay their eggs near the bottom, and the fishes constantly swimming near the bottom will often invade their territory and provoke fights.
Small-sized fish species (guppies, neon tetras, betta, goldfish) are very likely to become convict cichlids’ live food. In contrast, large cichlids (jack dempsey cichlid, oscar, flowerhorn, red terror cichlid) may kill convict cichlids themselves and aren’t good tank mates for them too.
That’s why even in a spacious tank, you should choose strong and proper-sized convict cichlid tank mates.
Gender differences: male vs female
There are several notable differences between male and female convict cichlids in terms of their physical appearance and behavior. Understanding these distinctions can help aquarists manage their care effectively.
Males tend to be larger than females, typically reaching lengths of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm), while females generally grow to about 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm). In terms of body shape, males have a more elongated and streamlined form, whereas females are rounder and plumper. Older males often develop vestigial fatty lumps on their foreheads, further distinguishing them from females.
Coloration is another key difference. Male convict cichlids usually display more vibrant and striking patterns, featuring vertical black stripes on a silver-white or gray body. The intensity of these stripes can change based on their mood, breeding status, and level of aggression. In contrast, females often have less pronounced stripes or may even exhibit a solid coloration.
When it comes to finnage, males typically possess longer and more pointed dorsal (top) and anal (bottom) fins, which can become even more pronounced during courtship or aggressive displays.
Behaviorally, male convict cichlids are known for their territorial and aggressive nature, especially during breeding and while defending their nests. They may engage in fin flaring, chasing, and confrontations with tank mates. Females, while still capable of defending their territory, tend to be less aggressive than males, making them somewhat easier to manage in a community tank setting.
Breeding
It has a very interesting feature – how the Convict cichlid couple takes care of its juveniles, a process which is rather exciting to observe. However, you should keep in mind that this species is very aggressive towards its tank mates. That’s why in the case of small capacity tanks, the couple has to be kept on its own in a tank.
Starting from the age of 3-4 months, they form stable couples. Each couple tends to have its own territory. For this reason, you shouldn’t put more than one couple in a small tank. Otherwise, long and numerous fights for the territory will lead to bad consequences.
For successful breeding, all you need is a male and female fish, but if spawning happens in a community tank – it’s trouble for all its inhabitants. The convict cichlid is monogamous, and it becomes reproductive at the age of 7-10 months. When being just juveniles, create stable couples. If you want such a couple to be created in a tank, you need to keep a small school of fish with an equal number of male and female fish in it.
Convict cichlid spawning happens all the year round with some small breaks. This concerns both separate spawning tanks and community tanks. To get good and healthy juveniles still, it’s better to put them into a separate volume.
Chemical parameters of tank water don’t play an important part. To stimulate the fish spawning, raise the tank water temperature to 29 °C (84 °F) and renew ¼ of tank water with the fresh one.
The male convict cichlid courtship process takes a rather long time. Once it’s finished, the female fish lays the eggs in some place she likes. This can be some flower pot, flat stone, coconut shell, or a big seashell. Or sometimes it may be a big leave of a tank plant. When a spawn is in some nookery, its parents may show aggression to all trespassers (if spawning happened in a community tank). Just like all other cichlid species, this fish eagerly takes care of its breed, taking dead and unfertilized eggs from the nest from time to time.
Once larvae hatch from the eggs, their attentive parents take them to some other place. 2-3 days later, when the larvae have eaten their yolk sac already, they start swimming around the tank carefully guarded by their parents.
The female convict cichlid fish will wave with its fins to get the mud up from the tank substrate to help their juveniles to feed. She raises the food fallen on the bottom and mills it in her mouth, and then spills it out. The breeders surrounded by tiny juveniles carefully swim in the tank with their offspring. By the end of the day, all juveniles get together in their nookery.
As a rule, we don’t take the fish parents from the tank. However, there are cases when males become aggressive, and they may eat all the juveniles. To avoid this, male fish is taken back to the community tank, and the female fish stays to look after their juveniles.
Adult species become caring parents for their offspring for a long time. If you remove the juveniles from the tank too early, the breeders may fight, and as a result, usually, the female suffers. After some time, they start to get on well, and several weeks later, they already have a new offspring.
You should install filtration and aeration in a tank with fry, and you should renew the water about twice a week. Start feed for the fry is any milled live and dry feed. The juveniles are quite large, and they grow very fast. At the age of four months, they obtain adult coloring.