Convict Cichlid

The Convict Cichlid is probably ranked number 3 out of all cichlids as far as popularity goes, with Angelfish and Oscars being 1 and 2 respectively. They have the common name of "convict cichlid" because of the white and black contrasting patterns they sport. Males may be larger than females of the same age and the females may have a pink or orange tint to the belly region. There is an Albino Convict Cichlid as well. This fish can get to be about 4 inches (10 cm) and should do fine in a 20 gallon (78 liters) or larger aquarium.

This is a fascinating species that is known as being a profilic breeder. If you have a male and female, chances are you're going to get some baby convicts soon. All they need are stable water parameters and a cave or flower pot for securing the eggs. They will get quite aggressive in protecting their territory and they should not be kept with peaceful community type fishes. The great part about breeding convict cichlids is watching the parental care given to the fry. This can provide hours of enjoyment.

Keeping a pair in a community tank is just asking for trouble. If you have only one, you may be able to get away with keeping them with peaceful species but caution is still advised.

They should eat nearly everything offered including flakes, frozen and live foods. Look for cichlid pellets which can give them all the vitamins and minerals they need.

Convict Cichlid Photo

Archocentrus nigrofasciatus

Freshwater Tropical Fish Species Profile and Care Information

Scientific Name : Archocentrus nigrofasciatus

Common Names : Convict Cichlid, Zebra Cichlid, Albino Convict

Care Level : Easy

Size : Up to 4 inches (10 cm)

pH : 7 - 8

Temperature : 70°F - 80°F (21°C - 27°C)

Water Hardness : 10° to 15° dH

Lifespan : 8 - 10 years, maybe slightly longer

Origin / Habitat : Guatemala, Central America

Temperament / Behavior : Like many cichlids, the convict cichlid is no exception when it comes to defending it's territory, especially when breeding. They will protect themselves and may harm other fishes.

Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : Very easy to breed them and they are great parents. Provide a clay or plastic type of cave (flower pot) and they should pair up assuming you have a male and female. They should place the eggs on the walls or top of the flower pot. Eggs should hatch within 3 to 4 days and the parents may relocate them to a pit where they can watch over them. Another 4 to 5 days later they should be free swimming and you should feed them crushed flake food and/or brine shrimp.

Tank Size : 20 gallons (78 liters)

Compatible Tank Mates : If you're trying to breed them it's best to keep them as a pair in a tank by themselves. They should do well with other larger cichlids but you may see some aggression from time to time. Don't put convict cichlids in a community aquarium.

Fish Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease - Diagnose, Symptoms and Treatment

Diet / Fish Food : They should accept nearly all aquarium fish foods including flakes, frozen, freeze dried, live and cichild pellets.

Tank Region : Bottom to middle areas of the tank.

Gender : Males may be larger than females of the same age. Females usually have pink or orange on the belly. Males may have longer dorsal fins.

Gallery Photos : Convict Cichlid Photos

Similar Species : Cichlids

Fish Lore Forum : Convict Cichlid Forum

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Convict Cichlid Tips

From: Jeff Huang
I have a pair of black convict cichlids. They breed a lot and care for their fry. It's very interesting watching them protect them.

From: Roderick
I bought 2 but removed them after 2 days. They made a disaster in my peaceful aquarium, chased angel fish, pleco and even one another. I don't recommend this fish in a community tank.

From: Adam R.
Convicts were some of the first fish I ever kept. They are very good parents, which if allowed, will keep breeding and breeding. It is best to separate the females from the males because you will have hundreds of babies and no where for them. They can be aggressive, so keep them with other fish of similar size and temperament. The males will get to 4-5" and the females are smaller 2-1/2 to 3". Females have more color. They have an orange tint with neons blues and yellows. Great fish, just make sure the other fish can handle their aggression.

From: Dave
Okay, I know this fish has a long wrap-sheet filled with incidents of aggression and bad behavior, but I have had one in a community tank, yes a community tank, for about two years now, and I have not had a problem. My convict is generally pretty easy going, and even a bit shy, but he is no fighter. My girlfriend described him as a wimp. Every web-site I have seen (I have looked at them since introducing my convict the the tank) says he should be a bad influence in the tank, so this leads to my question: is he just an abnormal wimp like my girlfriend and I think, or is it common to see a convict be so docile around fish of a similar size?

Hi Dave - you don't mention the aquarium size in your post. It could be that your cichlid is comfortable in it's surroundings and doesn't feel threatened. You would most likely see more aggression if you introduced another convict of the opposite sex. Many cichlids can become quite aggressive with tankmates while spawning.

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