Convict Cichlid

Archocentrus nigrofasciatum

The convict cichlid (Archocentrus or Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum) is an undemanding South American. They are virtually indestructible compared to many aquarium fish. Like other cichlids, they can live for many years and become friendly with their owners.

The convict has a typical South American cichlid body shape. They earn their name from a series of vertical black and grey stripes that extend down the body. They are available in this original striped form as well as a white variety.

Convict Cichlid Companions

Convicts can prove aggressive between themselves and toward other fish. They are not generally a community aquarium species.

When kept with another large cichlid some success is possible. For best results introduce all fish when small and choose robust tank mates.

If keeping several convict cichlids choose only females unless your aim is for them to breed. At this time they will become hostile toward other convicts making it most practical to have only one pair per tank.

Convict Cichlid vs Texas Cichlid

A territory dispute between a pink convict cichlid and a Texas cichlid. Each fish wants to claim the rock cave for itself. This video shows the aggressive nature that the convict cichlid typifies.

Sexing Your Convict Cichlids

Male convict cichlids can grow a slight nuchal hump when they have reached a few years in age. Males will also grow larger in size with longer fins.

The female shows a flush of colour on the body when well cared for. A female convict cichlid in prime breeding condition will also become very plump indicating her fertility and readiness to breed. In planted tanks there may be some uprooting of vegetation when the convict pair choose a nest site.

Convicts can reproduce when only a few months in age. It has been said that a pair of convicts will spawn on a wet sponge. It is almost inevitable that your Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum will breed if you have a pair of fish.

Convict fish make excellent parents defending the fry from all challengers. Don’t be surprised to see them attack you through the glass when you get to close. Just let them take care of the babies while you enjoy the show. Parents will gather and heard the offspring around the tank to the best feeding spots. If any convict cichlid fry stray they are promptly caught and spat back into the group.

The parents should be removed from the aquarium if they begin to show signs of a new spawning. Otherwise keep the parents in until the fry are about 5mm long. Offer them with a fine crumble of what you are feeding the parents. Give them frequent water changes for the fastest growth.

Angelfish | Discus Cichlid | Frontosa | Jaguar Cichlid
Kribensis | Oscar Fish | White Spotted Cichlid | Aquarium Fish