Convict Cichlid Care & Tank Set up Guide

Convict Cichlids are among the hardiest fish in the fish keeping hobby. Most Fish keepers would agree that this fish would be the best option to start with cichlids for a beginner. In case you are planning to get these fish, below information would help you.

Common names - Zebra Convict, Zebra Cichlid, Banded Cichlid.

Convict Cichids are Native to Lakes, Rivers & Streams of Eastern parts of Central America. These fish can tolerate wide range of water conditions. The Male Convict Cichlid fish can grow about 6 inches in length & the Female convict Cichlid can grow up to 4 inches in length. They live well over 5 years in home aquarium. These fish are also prolific breeder's, they start breeding in 4 to 6 months of age & will spawn every 15 to 20 days. Breeding convict fish is relatively easy, water change raising the temperature to 82.0° F generally works. This fish lay eggs usually under rocks or pots in the aquarium. They dig sand so plants will not work in a convict cichlid aquarium as they would uproot the plants, this happened with me & I had to set up the tank again with plants tied up to driftwood.

Male Convict cichlids are larger in size & have longer fins. Female convict fish are smaller, have darker stripes with orange coloration on the lower body & fins.

What size tank is best for Convict Cichlid?
I have housed my Convicts in 55 gallon community tank with Red Devil Cichlid's. The breeding pair you see in the video were separated & are in 20 gallon tank. Fully grown breeding pair may need a 25 gallon if not bigger tank.

Tank Decoration for convict cichlids -
I used driftwood, sand for tank bottom, 2 pots which generally would be thee place were they would lay eggs. Rocks can be used as well.

What to feed Convict fish?
Convict fish are not picky eaters, I feed them quality flakes, Pellets, Freeze dried worms, Live & frozen food, spirulina & some veggies. These fish are Omnivores in their natural habitat & feed on crustaceans, small fish, algae & plants.

Water parameters for Convict fish -
pH range - 6.8 to 7.8, I maintain my tank around 7 pH
Temperature range - 74.0 to 82.0° F (23.3 to 27.8° C)

Tank mates for Convict cichlids -
I have kept my convict cichlids fish with juvenile Red devil fish, Green terror cichlid, African Jewel fish & Pleco fish. They will go after smaller fish & while breeding they get territorial & aggressive & will take on bigger fish. I moved my convict cichlids due to this reason.
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