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Fish Profiles….

convict4.jpg

Convict Cichlid

Archocentrus (Cichlasoma) nigrofasciatus

Probably the most common fish that is kept by early breeders of Cichlids, mainly because of its striking patterns and its ease of breeding.

These tough little guys can produce literally thousands of fry per year, and often the problem is stopping them breeding, or disposing of the young, as due to their ease of breeding demand and prices are low.

Conditions.

They originate from Central America and with thrive happily in neutral water (ph7.0) or a couple of points either side, and temperatures of 22-26C (being adequate.

These are aggressive type fish (at times), and are unsuitable as a community fish and are best kept with species that are larger and able to fend for themselves.

Tank Setup.

The standard two footer will house a pair quite comfortably, and they prefer places they can hide, along with some form of cave in which to breed, but they will use anywhere once they get into breeding condition and may possibly move gravel and small rocks in order to find a suitable place, and for this reason plants would need to be firmly anchored, along with any rock structures.

Feeding.

These fish are omnivorous and require both a meaty diet plus a vegetable type one.

They will eat most live foods, including young fish, and almost anything that will fit in their mouths is fair game. Beef heart, worms, blanched lettuce and prepared foods all make up a good menu, along with a variety of flake and freeze dried foods.

Sexing.

Sexing is not difficult as the males are the larger sex, but contain less brilliant coloration. The males also develop longer and more pointed dorsal and anal fins with age. Also the females of the species are more likely to display orange patterns on their bellies and dorsal fins.

I found this recently on a site http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_convict.php

and found it to be an excellent description of these fish.

These fish are the axe wielding, homicidal maniacs of the tropical fish world...and I love them. If they were dogs you would have to muzzle them and license them as a dangerous breed. I've kept and bred Convicts for years and never get bored with them. What people forget is that this species is a true survivor and a magnificently beautiful fish in full breeding colours.

Contributed by Andy Cunningham

Other info on the breeding sequence can be found here…

http://www.aquariumfish.net/information ... fish_2.htm

Bill

Add A Fish Profile To The Site.

Keep Them In The Relevant Section.. Cichlids... Livebearers... Killies.. Etc

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