Size
Female Convict Cichlids grow to a maximum size of 3–4 inches, while adult males average 13–15 centimeters (8 -10 cm).
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
The operculum of the wild-type species has a dark blotch and 8 or 9 vertical black stripes. Until they reach sexual maturity, convict cichlids are monomorphic. The male has black stripes on gray skin. The dorsal, ventral, and anal fins of males are all razor-sharp and frequently form filaments. Fat lumps on the forehead are common in older males. In general, women are smarter than men. Her dorsal and ventral colors range from pink to orange, and she has noticeable black stripes all over her body.
Habitat
Convict cichlids like flowing water and refuge under rocks or branches. The pH ranged from 6.6-7.8 at four convict cichlid habitats in Costa Rica, whereas the carbonate hardness (KH) ranged from 63-77 ppm CaCO 3. The daily range for water temperature was 26–29 °C (79–84 °F). At 1,500 meters, convict cichlids may live in cold water and populate volcanic lakes.
As Pet Care
- Care of Aquariums
Convict Cichlids are relatively simple to maintain as long as the water is kept clean. Since they are closed systems, all aquariums require maintenance. In home aquariums, phosphates and nitrates accumulate over time, and evaporation causes the water’s hardness to rise. The tank water needs to be changed at least 15–20% every two weeks because these fish are extremely sensitive to contaminants and pH instability, especially if the tank is well stocked. Always use a gravel cleaner while performing water changes to make sure that all of the organic waste that has accumulated from decomposition is eliminated. Decomposing organic debris is typically the root of the bulk of issues with tropical fish tanks.
Changes in Water: monthly – 15-20%
- Setup of an aquarium
Convict cichlids thrive in large aquariums with lots of available area. A tank as small as 20 gallons can support a pair of juveniles. However, it is advised that after they are completely grown, they be transferred to a tank that is at least 50 gallons in size. They favor environments with strong water currents and effective filtration. They prefer a warm environment and can tolerate a wide pH range, essentially ranging from 6.0 to 8.0, but it must be maintained somewhat consistently.
This cichlid may be kept in slightly brackish water since it can tolerate some salt. However, a complete brackish water tank is not appropriate for it. It can withstand a specific gravity of less than 1.0002 and a salinity of approximately 10% of that of a typical saltwater tank.
Provide rocks, roots, and bits of driftwood on a sandy foundation. Additionally, they like plants, particularly floating plants that help dim the light. In order to ensure that the substrate plants are anchored down, they will rearrange the tank. If there are floating plants present, standard aquarium lighting is sufficient; if there are no plants, low to moderate lighting is sufficient.
- A pair of younger fish can be housed in a tank with a minimum capacity of 20 gal (76 L), while fully developed fish should be kept in tanks with a minimum capacity of 50 gal (or more).
- Sand as a Substrate Type
- Moderate to moderate illumination is required.
- 74.0 to 82.0 degrees Fahrenheit (23.3 to 27.8 degrees Celsius)
- pH range: 6.0 to 8.0
- Range of hardness: 6 to 8 dGH
- Brackish: Occasionally – Accept a 10% lower salinity than a typical saltwater aquarium and a specific gravity of 1.0002
- Moderate water movement
- All Water Regions
- Feeding
The omnivorous Convict Cichlid is a relatively easy-going eater. It will happily consume a broad range of diets, such as those designed for omnivorous cichlids, spirulina-based foods made from vegetables, blanched lettuce or other vegetables, beef hearts, and worms. Instead of giving a huge amount of food all at once, provide 2 to 5 little pinches of food throughout the day. This will maintain the water’s high quality for a longer period of time. Vitamins and supplements added to fish food are beneficial to all fish.
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