Convict Cichlid - Profile

Scientific Name(s)	: Cryptoheros Nigrofasciatus
Common Name(s)	: Convict Cichlid, Zebra Cichlid
Family	: Cichlidae
Species Type	: Central American Cichlids
Maximum Size	: 7 inches
Life Span	: 10 years
Natural Habitat	: Central American Streams
Minimum Tank Size	: 35 gallons
Tank Region	: All Over
Possible Tank Mates	: Firemouth Meeki, Severums, Salvini Cichlids,
Temperature	: 68°F – 80°F
pH Range	: 6 - 8
Hardness	: 10° - 20°

Description: The name convict cichlid describes these beautiful fish and its black stripes on a white background very accurately. That is why its also known as zebra cichlids.  Convicts are also available in Pink and white color. The Pink Convict is a pseudo-albino of the Convict Cichlid. This fish is monotone in color, with the female having an orange patch on her stomach. The male is larger, monotone, has a steeper forehead and longer fins. As it ages, the male will acquire a fatty lump on the forehead. 

The convict cichlid is a hardy species that can adapt to just about any water conditions and is therefore an ideal beginner’s fish and especially suited for those who want to keep their first cichlid. Convict cichlids should have at least a 40 gallon tank for a pair. Convict cichlids can sometimes be white aggressive towards other fish which means that they shouldn’t be kept with other small or timid fishes. Keeping them alone will make it easier to observe their fascinating breeding behavior including the rearing of the fry. You can always add a pleco with convicts because the water requirements are nearly identical for most plecos and convicts.

An aquarium intended for convict cichlids should be decorated with a few flat stones and perhaps a cave or two. Plants are not necessary and most plants will be destroyed by the fish. However, there are a number of hardy plants that can be kept with convict cichlids such as Amazonian swords and java ferns. Using plants of this type can be beneficial by making the fish feel more at home and by making the aquarium more beautiful to look at. The fact is that convict cichlids will make themselves feel at home no matter how you decide to decorate.

Breeding Information: An extremely easy to breed cichlid. Provide a pair caves for breeding and they will breed quite easily. Convicts cichlids usually lay their eggs on a flat stone or in a pot and both parents guard both the eggs and the fry. They are usually where good parents and can become very aggressive towards other fish that enters their breeding territory. The fry can be feed crushed flake food and newly hatched brine shrimp. 

Sexing Information: Males tend to be larger with a more pronounced hump on their head. Females have some orange coloration to the underside of their belly.

Diet: Omnivorous - does well with flake or pellet food supplimented with fresh green vegetables and protien rich foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp and beef heart. 

Temperament: Aggressive especially while spawning or guarding fry. 

Common Diseases: HITH - Hole in the Head