Convict Cichlid

1 Convict Cichlid Overview

The Convict Cichlid (Nine-bar) is a small cichlid among American cichlids. Despite its small size it is tough, often beating larger fish. Easy to keep and sturdy, its toughness makes it good with large cichlids.

Subclass: Actinopterygii

Binomial: Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum

Species: Convict Cichlid

Genus: Cichlasoma

Subphylum: Vertebrata

Suborder: Labroidei

Class: Osteichthyes

Phylum: Chordata

Chinese name: Convict Cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Order: Perciformes

2 Appearance

The Convict Cichlid is very tough, beating larger fish, and breeds readily, always available in the market. It also hybridizes easily with other cichlids.

Among American cichlids it is small, not brightly colored, only striped, but pretty under blue light. It is very tough, often bullying the weak; sexes are easy to tell—females have orange-red spots on the belly. Small but sturdy and easy, it suits large cichlids; highly territorial especially when breeding. Easy breeding is another trait.

3 Habitat

Not hard to keep; many think cichlids are hard, but the Convict is easy to keep and breed. Sturdy, it reaches 15 cm; recommended pH 7.0–8.5.

Small but sturdy and easy, it suits large cichlids; highly territorial especially when breeding, and easy to breed—not only within the species but across genera more than others, as if pairing is its mission, always finding another fish, especially the tank boss; females are not loyal.

4 Feeding

Keep water and environment right and feed balanced food. Because it is tough and beats larger fish, it can be with large cichlids.

It is not demanding about food, only that quality be good. Best use meat-based food to show color and grow faster. Avoid two foods: color-enhancing food (except for blood parrots and flowerhorns) and live food. Color food often contains hormones causing premature aging and weak resistance.