Black Convict

Overview

• Scientific Name: Amatitlania nigrofasciata
• Common Names: Black Convict Cichlid, Zebra Cichlid
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Native to Central America, specifically found in rivers and lakes in countries like Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Males typically grow up to 6 inches (15 cm), while females are slightly smaller, reaching about 4 inches (10 cm).
• Coloration:
  • Males: Have striking black and white vertical stripes, often with a bluish or greenish sheen on their body. Adult males develop longer dorsal and anal fins.
  • Females: Have the same black and white stripes but often display orange or pinkish coloration on their belly, particularly when ready to breed.
• Body Shape: Convict cichlids have a robust, slightly stocky body with a rounded head and fins.

Behavior

• Temperament: The Black Convict is notoriously aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding. Males are highly territorial, and even females can become combative when protecting their young.
• Activity Level: They are active and often seen defending their territory, chasing away tank mates, or interacting with decorations in their environment.
• Sociability: Best kept in species-specific tanks or with similarly aggressive fish, Convicts should not be housed with small, peaceful species as they are likely to be harassed or injured.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons for a pair is recommended, but larger tanks (40-50 gallons or more) are ideal if keeping multiple Convicts or other tank mates.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74°F to 82°F (23°C to 28°C)
  • pH Level: 6.5 to 8.0 (they tolerate a wide pH range)
  • Water Hardness: 6 to 14 dGH
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel works well, as Convicts enjoy digging and moving around the substrate.
• Tank Setup:
  • Decorations: Use plenty of rocks, caves, and driftwood to create territories and hiding spaces. This will help diffuse aggression and give each fish a space to claim.
  • Plants: If live plants are used, they should be hardy species like Java fern or Anubias, as Convicts may uproot or damage delicate plants.
  • Filtration: Convicts are hardy but produce a lot of waste, so a good filtration system is necessary. Weekly water changes (20-30%) are recommended to maintain water quality.

Diet

• Feeding: Black Convicts are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. They can be fed:
  • Pellets or Flakes: High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes should form the staple of their diet.
  • Live or Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia for added protein.
  • Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, or peas can be included in their diet to provide some plant-based nutrition.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed once or twice a day, with enough food that they can consume in a couple of minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Black Convicts are one of the easiest cichlids to breed in captivity, often breeding without any special encouragement. They are cave spawners and will lay eggs on flat surfaces inside caves or protected areas.
• Courtship: Males will display bright colors and chase females to initiate courtship. Once a pair forms, they will become highly territorial and protect their chosen breeding site.
• Egg Care: After the female lays eggs (up to 200 eggs), both parents will fiercely protect them. The eggs hatch within 2 to 3 days, and the fry become free-swimming within a week. Parents will continue guarding and caring for their fry, often herding them around the tank.
• Fry Care: The fry can be fed baby brine shrimp or crushed flakes once they are free-swimming.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Black Convicts can be housed with other large, robust species, such as:
  • Other Central American Cichlids (e.g., Jack Dempsey, Firemouth Cichlid)
  • Large catfish (e.g., Plecos)
  • Large barbs or aggressive species like the Red Tail Shark
• Avoid Small or Docile Fish: Peaceful community fish or small species will likely be bullied or eaten by Convicts.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Black Convicts can live for 8 to 10 years.

Care Requirements

• Water Quality: Despite being hardy fish, Convicts thrive best in clean, well-maintained tanks. Regular water changes and good filtration are necessary to prevent the buildup of toxins.
• Aggression Monitoring: Keep an eye on their interactions with other fish. Even with appropriate tank mates, aggression can lead to injuries, especially during breeding periods.
• Disease Prevention: Convicts are generally hardy but can suffer from common aquarium diseases if water quality is poor or the tank is overcrowded.

Interesting Facts

1. Prolific Breeders: Convicts are notorious for how easily and frequently they breed. Once a pair forms, they may produce fry every few weeks, so having a plan for the fry is essential.
2. Excellent Parents: Convict Cichlids are known for their intense parental care. Both males and females protect their fry diligently, often displaying fascinating behaviors like guiding them around the tank.
3. Color Morphs: In addition to the standard black and white variety, there is also an Albino Convict and a Pink Convict morph, both of which are equally popular among aquarists.