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Convict Cichlid, lat. Amatitlania nigrofasciata


Order: Cichliformes;
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Amatitlania;
Species and synonyms: Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum, Convict Cichlid, Black Convict Cichlid, Zebra Cichlid).

GBIF: Amatitlania nigrofasciata (Günther, 1867)

Convict Cichlid (lat. Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Amatitlania. One of the most popular and undemanding cichlids in the aquarium hobby, also known as the "zebra cichlid".

Distribution. The natural range of the Convict Cichlid covers freshwater bodies of Central America: from Guatemala to Panama, including rivers and streams flowing into the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The fish prefer slow-moving waters with rocky or sandy bottoms, often found in streams and backwaters. It has been recorded as an introduced species in some countries (e.g., Australia, Japan, USA).

Care requirements. The Convict Cichlid is a small cichlid that grows up to 8–10 cm in the aquarium. To keep a pair or a group, an aquarium of at least 80 liters with a length of 60 cm is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–28°C, hardness 8–20 dGH, pH 6.0–8.0. Filtration, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, stones, driftwood and shelters (ceramic pots, caves) are placed at the bottom. Plants should have tough leaves or be potted.

Convict Cichlids are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, fish and vegetation in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality flakes and pellets for cichlids, live and frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, shrimp), as well as plant components (spirulina, blanched vegetables). Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.

In the aquarium, Convict Cichlids are active in the middle and lower water layers. They are territorial and aggressive, especially during spawning. It is recommended to keep them in pairs or in groups with a predominance of females. Recommended tankmates include other cichlids of comparable size, large catfish. It is not recommended to keep them with small or slow-moving fish, as well as with veiltail forms.

Breeding in home aquariums is very simple and often occurs without special stimulation. Convict Cichlids are substrate spawners: they lay eggs on flat stones, driftwood or in caves. They reach sexual maturity at 6–8 months. The male and female form a stable pair and jointly care for the offspring. Eggs incubate for 3–4 days, fry begin to swim after 5–7 days. Fry are fed Artemia nauplii, microworms and fine dry food. Parents actively protect the offspring.

The Convict Cichlid gets its name from its characteristic coloration: the body is silvery-grey or bluish with 8–9 black transverse stripes. Males have brighter coloration and a pointed dorsal fin, females have a noticeable orange or yellow spot on the abdomen. Selective forms include "Pink Convict" and "Albino". Life expectancy is 8–12 years.