Post by MADMIKE on Sept 24, 2006 19:13:07 GMT -5
Convict Cichlid
Scientific Name: Archocentrus nigrofasciatus
Home Range: Central America
Max Size: 5"-6"
Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
Temperature: 74-80°F
pH: Neutral
Diet: Omnivorous
Swimming Zone: Middle
The Convict Cichlid
General Information
Convicts, from Central America, are typical Cichlids. Their bodies are gray-blue with vertical black stripes from nose to tail. They also come in an albino veriety (AKA pink convict). They can reach a max. length of 6”. Though small in size, Convicts are large in temperament and are definitely not recommended for a community tank. They are best kept with fish of larger size or equal temperament. Convicts are popular amongst aquarists because of their interesting personalities. Their digging and mauling of plants and gravel quickly upsets a nicely arranged aquarium, however.
It is recommended that you keep your convicts in an aquarium no less than 30 gallons per pair. Plants, driftwood, roots, and other aquarium decorations are good. Floating plants are recommended to reduce high light levels, and a sandy substrate should be used. Make sure the sand is “sand-blasting grade” as that has rounded edges that cannot cut the fish while moving the sand around.
Convicts are omnivorous fish. They need a varied diet of meaty and vegetable-based foods. Beef heart, worms, blanched lettuce and prepared foods all make up a good menu.
These Cichlids have no special requirements when it comes to water conditions. A neutral pH and common water temperature will suffice. They are hardy fish that thrive under most conditions.
Breeding Information
Simply put, Convicts will breed like crazy. Pairs form easily and may have several nests in one year, producing hundreds of young. They are cave breeders and make excellent parents. Convicts are definitely recommended for the beginning breeder. Sexing is not difficult. Males are the larger sex but contain less brilliant coloration. Males also develop longer, pointier dorsal and anal fins with age. Females of the species are more likely to display orange patterns on their bellies and dorsal fins.
Byhttp://www.cichliddepot.com/library/american/
Scientific Name: Archocentrus nigrofasciatus
Home Range: Central America
Max Size: 5"-6"
Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
Temperature: 74-80°F
pH: Neutral
Diet: Omnivorous
Swimming Zone: Middle
The Convict Cichlid
General Information
Convicts, from Central America, are typical Cichlids. Their bodies are gray-blue with vertical black stripes from nose to tail. They also come in an albino veriety (AKA pink convict). They can reach a max. length of 6”. Though small in size, Convicts are large in temperament and are definitely not recommended for a community tank. They are best kept with fish of larger size or equal temperament. Convicts are popular amongst aquarists because of their interesting personalities. Their digging and mauling of plants and gravel quickly upsets a nicely arranged aquarium, however.
It is recommended that you keep your convicts in an aquarium no less than 30 gallons per pair. Plants, driftwood, roots, and other aquarium decorations are good. Floating plants are recommended to reduce high light levels, and a sandy substrate should be used. Make sure the sand is “sand-blasting grade” as that has rounded edges that cannot cut the fish while moving the sand around.
Convicts are omnivorous fish. They need a varied diet of meaty and vegetable-based foods. Beef heart, worms, blanched lettuce and prepared foods all make up a good menu.
These Cichlids have no special requirements when it comes to water conditions. A neutral pH and common water temperature will suffice. They are hardy fish that thrive under most conditions.
Breeding Information
Simply put, Convicts will breed like crazy. Pairs form easily and may have several nests in one year, producing hundreds of young. They are cave breeders and make excellent parents. Convicts are definitely recommended for the beginning breeder. Sexing is not difficult. Males are the larger sex but contain less brilliant coloration. Males also develop longer, pointier dorsal and anal fins with age. Females of the species are more likely to display orange patterns on their bellies and dorsal fins.
Byhttp://www.cichliddepot.com/library/american/