When it comes to their recommended tank and water requirements, these fish aren’t that challenging. However, you should keep in mind that this species is very aggressive towards its tank mates, that’s why in case of small capacity tanks the couple has to be kept on its own in a tank. If you have any questions or stories about convict cichlids that you’d like us to add to the guide let us know! Both their dorsal and anal fins dangle back a bit like a sail. Also, don’t put a male and female in a community tank! Some aquarists say you can get away with tanks as small as 20 gallons, but we disagree. Convict cichlids are one of the easiest fish in the world to breed. If you fail to care for these fish properly and keep them in an unsuitable environment, it’s unlikely that they’ll reach eight years. Convict cichlids have the classic cichlid body. This can be some flower pot, flat stone, coconut shell or a big sea shell. In this article, we will talk about everything you need to know about keeping them, including dietary needs, ideal tank mates, tank setup, varieties of pink and white colors, how to control their aggression. It’s worth noting that makes tend to be larger than females, but you won’t be able to identify their gender until they’re adults. Perfect for beginner aquarists, the Convict Cichlid is a relatively small fish that will grow up to around 6 inches in length for males, and around 4 inches in length for females. Things like Ich or fin rot are both possibilities if these fish live in subpar conditions. Pink Convict Cichlids and White Convict Cichlids have also been introduced into the hobby. However, it’s smart to plan for these sporadic digging episodes ahead of time. Now established in Opaek’a and Kalama streams on Kauai. The most important thing you can do is make sure their habitat is conducive to the breeding process. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about convict cichlid care. These fish usually have around eight of these bars, but this number can be slightly higher or lower depending on genetic components. Convict cichlid care is not as hard as it seems. Stay consistent and disciplined with what you’re feeding them, and always look to see if there’s any food that’s not being eaten. Convict Cichlids need a minimum of 30 gallons of water. When a spawn is in some nookery, its parents may show aggression to all trespassers (if spawning happened in a community tank). These fish have a long dorsal fin that starts about a fourth of the way back from their mouth (this point is where their pectoral fins begin as well). Including them will help your fish feel comfortable and give them places to hide and get their own space (this is also useful for managing aggression). Start feed for the juveniles is some milled live and dry feed. This species becomes very aggressive during the spawning period as well as any other time – it may attack other fishes. If you take convict cichlid care seriously right from the start, your fish will thank you for it later. The convict cichlid is a very hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. The Convict Cichlid is an aggressive fish that should only be kept with fish of a similar size or larger and have the same temperament. The convict cichlid is a small fish species that grows to a maximum of 6 inches (15 cm), making them good options for smaller aquariums. Because these fish are the opposite of picky eaters, beginners assume you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to their diet. To avoid this male is taken back to the community tank and the female stays to look after their juveniles. We always like to start with the substrate because it will impact the kind of plants you can include. Regardless of this behavior, the Convict Cichlid is a frequent breeder. This is not a natural occurrence and is only sustainable due to the similar conditions that certain parts of the country offer. The fish is monogamic, it becomes reproductive at the age of 7-10 month. It’s a good idea to separate the parents to prevent any aggressive behavior toward the little babies. Oct 21, 2018 - Black Convict Cichlid Central and South American cichlids range from rare atramaculatus to common blue acara, though common is not a fair word for this uncommonly peaceful pretty fish. To prevent tank pollution with feed leftovers, feed twice a day with small portions of food. However, there are the cases when males become aggressive and they may eat all the juveniles. Or sometimes it may be a big leave of a tank plant. They’re found in tanks…, The 15 Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish, Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates…, Indian Almond Leaves: Benefits For Your Aquarium, The 35 Best Low Light Aquarium Plants (Must-See), 35 Peaceful Community Fish For Your Tank (Updated List), Malaysian Trumpet Snail 101: Detailed Info & Care Tips. Body size is from 8 cm (3 in) to 12 centimeters (4.7 in). He’s been fond of aquarium husbandry since his early childhood. Author Note: This will impact their lifespan and general health as well. For successful breeding all you need is a male and female, but if spawning happens in a community tank – it’s a trouble for all its inhabitants. A 30-gallon tank is ideal for one pair of breeding convicts. As well as any other fish process which is rather exciting to observe are the! Is already pushing 4 '' and thought to be up to something tolerate a wide range of to... 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