Convict – Black Convict Cichlid Fish

Description

Black Convict Cichlid Tropical Fish

With black stripes similar to a zebra’s marking, the Black Convict Cichlid (also known as the Archocentrus nigrofasciatus), are magnificent additions to your aquarium. The females feature orange scale throughout the lower body and dorsal fins, while the male is larger and less colorful. The males will also acquire a fatty lump on their forehead with age. It is recommended that these fish do not join the community tank due to their aggressive tendencies.

To keep these fish happy, create an environment in a 30 gallon tank minimum which includes a sandy bottom or small pebbles, which features many hiding places made of driftwood or live plants. These fish will grow up to 6” and require a pH of 6.5 – 8.0, and a gH of 12o. We recommend that you only house these fish with equally aggressive fish of the same size or larger. Temperatures of about 75 – 79°F will encourage breeding, and males and females will create families where both genders care for their young.

These fish are omnivorous and will eat most foods, including freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and ocean plankton, as well as flake food and Cichlid pellets.