Common name:
Convict Cichlid ,
zebra cichlid
Distribution
Central America: Guatemala, El Salvadore, Costa Rica &
Panama
General Body Form:
General
cichlid body type
Coloration:
Also known as the "zebra cichlid"; both this and
"convict" are good descriptions of this species. It has black
vertical bars on it's bluish-lavender body. There is usually a pink tinge to
it's belly, and well-kept fish will have an iridescent pattern on their fins
and sides. Both the dark stripes and pink belly become more pronounced during
breeding. Males usually have darker stripes and pointier fins (in addition to
their usually larger size), and fully mature ones will sometimes have a bit of
a hump on their head. Females have pinker bellies and are usually rounder.
There is also a pink albino strain.
Status: This species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.
Description: The Convict Cichlid has
a blue-gray, cream, or blue-lavendar base on the body with 8 to 9 dark bands
that run vertically. They have a break in the vertical bands in the area behind
their head, almost forming a "U" shape. The fins are clearish to
light yellow. With in-line breeding there are now several color varieties, and
some of the cream and "pink" varieties lack the vertical bars.
All cichlids
share a common feature that some saltwater fish such as wrasses and parrotfish
have and that is a well-developed pharyngeal set of teeth that are in the
throat, along with their regular teeth. Cichlids have spiny rays in the back
parts of the anal, dorsal, pectoral, and pelvic fins to help discourage
predators. The front part of these fins are soft and perfect for precise
positions and effortless movements in the water as opposed to fast swimming.
Cichlids have one nostril on
each side while other fish have 2 sets. To sense "smells" in the
water, they suck water in and expel the water right back out after being
"sampled" for a short or longer time, depending on how much the
cichlid needs to "smell" the water. This feature is shared by
saltwater damselfish and cichlids are thought to be closely related.
Size - Weight: Male Convict Cichlids grow to a length of
5 - 6" (13 -15 cm), with females reaching 3 - 4" (8 -10 cm).
Maintenance:
This is perhaps one of the most forgiving fish in the pet trade... they
are amazing survivors and adaptors! However, they are not for the weak of heart
and for those fishkeepers with peaceful community tank fish. These fish are NOT
known for their gentle dispositions, and need to be kept with other aggressive,
larger fish that will hold their own (it can and will harass some fish to
death). They have been known to pick fights with Oscars more than 3X's their
size, and win! Best kept alone or with their own kind, but fascinating fish to
watch.
Convict are among the easiest bred fish in captivity, but watch out, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into when you get a pair (see below). This fish has no special requirements at all and is extremely hardy. It is great for beginners who are having trouble keeping more delicate species alive, but they must be prepared to see this territorial fighter in action if they want to keep them with other species, even other bad-attitude cichlids like red terrors and jack dempseys. If kept in the right setup, you will really see their amazing colors and behaviors come through--they are very entertaining fish. They can be fed a variety of foods, including flakes, cichlid pellets, frozen/live brine shrimp, blood worms, and vegetables like chopped-up spinach leaves. They are omnivorous, and not picky eaters, but very greedy.
A pair can be put in a 20 gallon tank, but it is not suggested that they be in a tank that small once they become full grown. A full grown pair will survive and get along in a 50 gallon tank much better. They do fine with good water movement and efficient filtration. They like a warm tank and can tolerant a wide range of pH, pretty much anywhere from 6.0 to 8.0, though it needs to be kept reasonably consistent.
The Convict Cichlid is a rewarding specimen for the aquarist as it is easy to keep. Provide a sandy substrate with rocks, roots, and pieces of driftwood. They also enjoy plants, especially floating plants to help subdue the light. They will re-arrange the aquarium so make sure substrate plants are anchored down. Normal aquarium lighting works fine if there are floating plants, and low to moderate lighting if no plants. Do water changes of 15-20% every 2 weeks to a month, depending on stocking numbers.
They are subject to infections as well as other diseases that ail all freshwater fish. One common problem is Ich. It can be treated with the elevation of the tank temperature to 86° F (30° C) for 3 days. If that does not cure the Ich, then the fish needs to be treated with copper (remove any water conditioners). Several copper based fish medications are available for Ich. Copper use must be kept within the proper levels, so be sure to follow the manufacturers suggestions. A copper test also can be used to keep the proper levels. You can also combine increasing the temperature with an Ich medication treatment. Intestinal disease can be treated with metronidazol.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom: These fish will swim in the middle and bottom areas of the aquarium.
Acceptable Water Conditions: They like a warm tank and can tolerant a wide range of pH, pretty much anywhere from 6.0 to 8.0, though it needs to be kept reasonably consistent.
Hardness: 7 - 9° dH (they prefer soft to mildly hard water)
Ph: 6.0 - 8.0
Temp: 74 -82° F (23 - 28° C)
Social Behaviors: The Convict Cichlid is an aggressive cichlid that can only be kept with larger fish that have the same temperament. The Blue Acara, Rainbow Cichlid, Jack Dempsey, and Green Terror are the type of fish they won't terrorize to death. Do not house with fish that are only just semi-aggressive or fish large enough to swallow them whole. Once they are mating they will kill anything in the tank if they can. They have been known to beat up large plecostomus and Oscars 3 times larger than themselves!
This fish can be kept alone, resulting in a slightly skittish and more mellow fish, or as a male and female pair. They are generally aggressive toward those of the same species especially when mating.
Sexual Differences: Males are larger, but not as brilliant in color as the females. They develop longer, pointed anal and dorsal fins as they get older like most male cichlids. The females have orange in their belly and dorsal fins.
Breeding/Reproduction:
Convict
Cichlids are easy breeders. They can easily start spawning at the age of 16
weeks. They create monogamous pairs and breed in caves or crevices found in
their habitat. The parents are generally protective, guarding their eggs and
fry. They are more hostile during this period, watching over their territory.
The female lays her eggs on top of flat stones caves, followed by the male
fertilizing the eggs. Both parents take turns in fanning their eggs till it
hatch. The fry are expected to swim after six to eight days to feed for
themselves.
Convict
Cichlids are a great choice for the first time aquarist. They are hardy and
easy to breed. They will accept most foods and are very easy to care for. They
are an ideal starter cichlid.
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