Common Name Black Convict Cichlid

Other Common Names Zebra Cichlid

Scientific Name Cichasoma nigrofasciatum

Family Cichlidae

Community Aggressive

Class Cichlids

Temperature 78 ºF

Swimming Range Middle-Bottom

Adult Length 4-6 inches

Feeding Habits Fresh spinach, zucchini, peas and lettuce. Live fish, blood worms, glass worms, brine shrimp and tubifex worms. Frozen plankton, beef heart, brine shrimp, glass worms and blood worms. Freeze dried and tablet foods also accepted.

Compatibility Very aggressive with their own kind and other species as well, especially during spawning. Mix with other similar sized aggressive cichlids.

Habitat El Salvador-Panama: Moderately decorated with rocks, plastic plants and driftwood. Live plants will be eaten by the convicts.

Breeding The male has longer fins, and the female has orange scales on her sides. Both parents will care for the fry.

Additional Comments Vegetation in their diet is very important to promote proper colors and growth.