Cichlasoma Nigrofasciatum (Convict Cichlid)

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Cichlasoma Nigrofasciatum (Convict Cichlid)

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Species: Cichlasoma Nigrofasciatum

Geo. Location: Guatemala, Nicaragua

PH: 7.0 - 8.5

Temperature: 72 - 80F

Water Hardness: 6 - 20dh

Size: 6.0"

Diet: Flakes, Live/Frozen foods

Difficulty: 2

Photo Credit: Andrzej Zabawski

Notes: Cichlasoma Nigrofasciatum also known as Archocentrus Nigrofasciatus is one of the hardiest cichlids. Very popular in aquariums, this cichlid is extremely aggressive, especially during spawning season.
Convicts have a grey background with dark vertical bars on their sides. This fish is also found in an albino variety (pinkish). In the wild, Convict Cichlids live in lakes as well as fast moving rivers and streams of South America.
Cichlasoma Nigrofasciatum is very aggressive against any fish. They can fight larger cichlids to death and are sometimes even intolerant of their own kind. It is therefore recommended to keep them in a species tank with only Convicts. Although we don't recommend it, we've heard success stories of keeping these guys with other bigger Cichlids like Jack Dempsey. This fish is very hardy and is not too demanding regarding water conditions. Although they like water PH between 7 and 8.5 and a Dh inferior to 20, they will do good in pretty much any water conditions. A clean tank with frequent water change is however important to keep these guys happy.
Because it is a very destructive fish, it is important to recreate an environment that will suite its behavior. The tank should therefore be quite large in order to host several pairs (55 gallon at least). Lots of hidding places are recommended as these fish are very territorial and like to spawn in caves. Rocks, driftwood and flower pots constitute great hidding areas. No plants should be added to the tank as for most cichlids, Convicts will uproot and eat them. Furthermore, Convicts like to dig the substrat so it is good to supply them with a gravel type of substrat (sand).

Breeding: Males are usually bigger and less colorful than females. Their dorsal and anal fins are more elongated than their counterpart. During spawning season, females tend to become slightly orange/pinkish.
Cichlasoma Nigrofasciatum is one of the easiest fish to breed. They will breed in any tank, any water conditions (as long as the conditions seen above are respected) and will take care of their fry. Raise the water temperature a little (77F) to trigger spawning if nothing happen after a few weeks. The spawning process starts with the female following the male in the tank. When the pair is formed, they will remain partners for their lifetime (monogamous). The male will clean thoroughly the chosen spot where the female will lay her eggs (between 100 and 200 eggs). Convicts are cave breeders it is therefore recommended to provide them with rocks and other cave materials. During this process, Convicts become even more aggressive than usual and it is strongly recommended to separate any other fish that would swim in their territory as they would attack and kill them. Both of the parents protect the eggs/fry. The eggs hatch in 3 days and the fry is free swimming in 4 to 5 days. Parents will take care of their fry and won't let anybody approach them until they start breeding again. The fry will take baby brine shrimps as well as powdered flakes. Frequent water change will help the fry to grow faster.