Convict cichlid
Alternative Name(s):
Scientific Name(s): Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Category: Cichlid
Difficulty:
Maximum Size: 15cms
Minimum Tank Volume: 100 litres
Minimum Tank Size: 36" x 15" x 12"
Water Temperature Range: 24-28°C
Water pH Range: 6.0-8.0
Water Hardness Range: 5-25 dGH
General Information: Not a community fish despite frequently being sold as such. Generally aggressive and extremely so when breeding. Best kept in a species only set up or as part of a community with larger Central American Cichlids in a suitably large tank.
Tank Requirements: Size above is suitable for a single pair; for multiples increase tank size substantially.
Diet Requirements: Omnivore, will take most foods offered: frozen live foods and cichlid pellets, granular foods and flakes. Do not neglect the vegetable component and feed a varied diet for best condition.
Compatibility: Single pair in 100 litres (some success in slightly smaller tanks), double the size for a small community of Convicts, and in very large tanks can co-exist with robust CA cichids capable of defending themselves.
Recommendations: Good beginner cichlid if rules on tank sizes and compatibility are followed.
Common Problems: Aggression related issues, torn fins and eyes and bodily wounds.
Similar Species: Many cichlids look similar. Often Frontosas are mistaken for Convicts by beginners. Don't mistake a Convict for any other species, check carefully.
Sexing: Males larger than females when mature by around two inches. Females are more colourful, males have small head humps. Females have a few orange scales on ventral surfaces.
Breeding: Easy. Breeds readily and in quantity. Parents are very caring and protective of the young. Be aware that ease of breeding and the aggressive nature of the fish make it very hard to rehome offspring.
Author(s): Fishlady | Photo: | Views: 27357
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  • Just popping in

 Convicts Breeding !

can you help me. iv now got a tank with only convicts as they have killed all the other fish.yes they have newborn, so many, this is the second time, the last lot dissappeared, how can i help them grow safe ? please help

 
  • Tropical Moderator

 Re: Convicts Breeding !

If you want to raise the babies you need to move them into a separate tank as the adults will kill them when they spawn again, and they could spawn every month or more. However, do consider what you will do with them if you raise them as convicts are hard to find homes for and because they breed so readily, many shops won't taken them off your hands even for free.

 
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