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Maximum size : 15 cm
Convict Cichlid - Amatitlania nigrofasciata : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Convict Cichlids, (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) are a hardy and robust species of fish with a rebellious attitude. Their striking appearance is due to the broad, dark vertical lines that run down their bodies, reminiscent of jailbird outfits. While Convict Cichlids are aggressive fish, they can be kept with similar-sized and tempered fish. It is not advisable to house them with peaceful or larger species that may swallow them whole. The males can be particularly aggressive during mating, and there have been reports of them attacking much larger fish like Oscars and plecos. They can also be kept as individuals or in pairs, resulting in a more mellow fish. However, their aggression towards each other during mating is expected. These fish are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. A sandy substrate with roots, rocks, and driftwood pieces will provide them with a comfortable environment. They also enjoy plants, especially floating ones, to tone down the lighting. However, be prepared for them to rearrange the tank, so ensure that the plants are securely anchored at the bottom. Convict Cichlids have chunky oval disk-shaped bodies with pointed anal and dorsal fins. Their bodies can display shades of blueish-grey, blueish-purple, or cream, with eight or nine vertically running dark to black bands. Their fins are transparent to light yellow, and their vertical bars almost form a U shape behind their head area. These fish come in various colours due to interbreeding. The White Convict Cichlid or Pink Convict Cichlid imitates the distinctive vertical bars, unlike albino varieties. Males have a monotonous colouration, while females have an orangish patch on their stomachs. In addition to their regular teeth and spiny rays on their fins, all cichlids have well-developed pharyngeal teeth in their throats that help to deter predators. Their front fins are soft, making swimming effortless and allowing for precise movement. Furthermore, cichlids only have one nostril on each side, unlike other fish, which have two.Convict Cichlid Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Convict Cichlids is a relatively straightforward process. The male Cichlid boasts a larger head with an abrupt forehead, although they are not as vibrantly coloured as the females. With age, the male cichlid develops longer and sharper dorsal and anal fins, along with vestigial fatty lumps on their foreheads. In contrast, the female cichlid features an orange dorsal fin and lower body.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Amatitlania nigrofasciata |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1867 |
| Other Names | Zebra Cichlid |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Amatitlania |
| Origins | Panama Costa Rica Nicaragua El Salvador Guatemala Honduras |
| Max Size | 15 cm |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Loners |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | up to 10 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 6-8 |
| KH | |
| TDS | 60-447 |
| ℉ | 79 - 84 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 26.1 - 28.9 |
