![]() ![]() Plants are not necessary, but some strong plants such as Java Fern or Amazon Swords can be a good addition to your tank. If you are just housing Cichlids and want a ballpark figure, then anywhere from 6-8pH would be fine.Ĭonvict Cichlids do enjoy to hide under rocks and within branches and other roughage, so we would recommend adding as much as possible to the tank. If you are housing other types of fish, then keep your pH neutral to their needs, and the Cichlids will be fine. ![]() The pH of your tank is not something that needs much attention when housing Convict Cichlids, since they can thrive in just about any pH balance. In regards to the temperatures, we would recommend replicating the waters of their natural habitat as much as possible, so anywhere between 70 – 82F (21 – 28C) would be ideal. If you are interested in adding some Convict Cichlids to your home aquarium, continue reading our Convict Cichlid Care Guide for information on how to house them, how to feed them, sex them and breed them.Ĭichlids in general are very hardy fish who can withstand a broad range of different tank conditions. The name ‘Convict’ is drawn from it’s convict like colors of black and white stripes, hence the reason it’s also referred to as the Zebra Cichlid, however there are a couple of variations which are becoming increasingly popular such as the Black Convict Cichlid and the Pink Convict Cichlid. Since the Convict Cichlid is most commonly found in moving rivers, it will come as no surprise that these fish love a little bit of a current to play in, as well as plenty of rocks, plants and roughage that they can hide in. These are incredibly hardy fish that can survive and thrive in a variety of different water conditions. In their natural habitat, the Convict Cichlid can be found in streams and rivers across the entire length and breadth of Central America. If you have never kept a Cichlid fish before, then this is the species we would recommend to you. ![]() The minimum tank size we would recommend for Convict Cichlids is around 25 gallons. Perfect for beginner aquarists, the Convict Cichlid is a relatively small fish that will grow up to around 6 inches in length for males, and around 4 inches in length for females. Vacuum substrate every 2 weeks, move the rock structures at least once a month, possibly with each substrate cleaning, as this will help to curb the territorial instincts of most Mbuna.Also known as Zebra Cichlids, the Convict Cichlid is a species of fish that is incredibly popular in the fish keeping hobby due to their low care requirements, and their beautiful coloring. Remember, as with most members of the Mbuna family, too much protien foods (meat) may cause them to “bloat”. Frozen foods like beef heart, hi-pro, daphnia, glass worms, plankton, and brine shrimp are also good choices. Live foods may include crickets, brine shrimp, meal worms, glass worms, and tubifex worms. Red Zebras are Omnivores, and do well with fresh spinach, peas, zucchini, and lettuce. Top, middle and bottom swimmers, their preferred tankmates may include other Mbuna or Malawi cichlids, and Synodontis catfishes (as bottom feeders). The males typically will have numerous (4-7) “egg spots”, while the female may show fewer (0-3) and less prominent “egg spots”.īreeding: Breeding these fish can be quite rewarding, as they are quite beautiful in their spawning and brooding rituals.Īdditional Information: A member of the Mbuna (or “Rock Dwelling” cichlid) family, their environment should be densely decorated with rocks and rock caves, fine gravel, fine gravel with crushed coral, or even sand for substrate, driftwood, Java Ferns, and Java Moss. ![]() While the smaller female, may not have any color variation, with the deep orange color extending out to the tips of her fins. The orange males are larger but often become pale on the lower sides of their bodies, and may even show a brilliant “freckling” of spots along the dorsal and tail fins. Sexing: The colorations of this fish differ from most of the Mbuna, as the females are typically the ones displaying the deeper and more brilliant colorations. African cichlid flake or pellt foods are good as a staple, but the diet should be supplimented with fresh green vegetables such as spinach, romaine lettuce, peas or zucchini. Should not have too much protein and should have no fat. Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 120 LitresĬompatibility: Combine with other Malawi mbuna speciesįeeding: Omnivorous but does better with vegetables. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |