$22.39 $ 22. Coloring can be impacted by the quality of care they receive (we’ll cover that more a bit further down). Also carrying the name of the Zebra Cichlid. Blue Johanni Cichlid males have a grey/black body with blue-grey horizontal markings. In a breeding tank you need at least a 50+ gallon tank. The easiest part of raising a Convict is breeding them. They grow to be about five inches in length and are highly aggressive. This fish is not a community fish. African cichlids perform mating rituals in which they display their colors and move in certain ways. During this time, it’s important to watch for aggression around the group of eggs, called a fry. Which makes it easier to just say they aren’t bred to play well with others and can cause disruption in a community tank. Water predicaments stay the same with the one change of heat. They are beautiful, active, and very exciting fish! Ensure no fish comes anyway near them and will do anything to protect their young. After 5 days the fry will scurry away from the yolk sac and will begin wandering the tank on their own. It doesn’t matter if you’re someone who is planning on getting their very first aquarium, or a seasoned pro. Learn their requirements & how to care for these fish at aquakri. Though they require special care, many different types can be good for beginning aquarium owners because of their toughness. Rating: 3.2/5 (24 votes cast) The Blue Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara nyassae) originates from Lake Malawi in Africa. After this point, the female is ready to mate again. An adult will reach up to 3 inches and display five vertical black bars down the length of its body. Read more. These vibrant fish are white with black stripes amongst its body, as a mature adult these fish will most often have 8 to 9 stripes along its back. Comment Report abuse. As always, if you have any questions you can always reach out and ask. Along with they make great parents to their fry. Printed on 100% cotton watercolour textured paper, Art Prints would be at home in any gallery. When purchasing a pair of Black Convicts, it’s important to allow space for fish to maneuver and protect. A large part of African cichlid care is being able to recognize the signs of a problem. For example, they’re more aggressive than fish such as tetras. Although, they aren’t only found living in rivers as they are found in run offs and springs as well. Following behind Oscars and Angelfish. In fact, they’re one of the most popular…, Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. You can use a mixture or rocks and sand as your substrate. Fishes bring immense joy to me. $8.99 shipping. They will provide shelter for each fry. Or it can cause it to overeat and get sick; along with pollute the tank. Then 4 days later you will have 30+ fry swimming around the tank. Feeding large helpings 1-2 times a day is not a healthy option for the fish. WYSIWYG Freshwater Fish now available in the Diver's Den®! They want to investigate what’s going on in their tank and will show no fear when doing this. The Kribensis Cichlid is known for its gorgeous colors and patterns, and can even be found with shades of orange, purple, blue, and black. They are great fish for a beginner in a single fish tank. Just like any fish, this can vary drastically if they live in a suboptimal tank situation with a poor diet and water quality. Peacock Cichlids: Only slightly aggressive, Peacock cichlids (also called Aulonocara nyassae) are one of the more colorful types of cichlids, ranging in colors of dark tan to silvery-blue. My love for the aquarium hobby is my ultimate passion and I AM BLESSED TO SHARE THIS WITH MY FAMILY!!! Unusually for fish, the female is more highly coloured. I have two species of cichlids a black striped one and a pale white one i put two of each in my tank the biggest one changes colors over night from pale white and back too striped. Although, this fish may look as it plays nice with others. They are also bottom-feeders. They are slow water fanatics and enjoy a mixture or sand and rock substrates. They gained popularity over the years due to its care levels, coloration, low maintenance levels, and their ability to mate easily. Required fields are marked *. I would recommend it. There are some common signs of illness to watch for among your collection to prevent fatalities. A handful of others come from Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria. There’s always something going on! This is usually achieved with a regular tank filter, however, African cichlids that are found in rivers may appreciate a slightly stronger current. African cichlids have been known to jump out of the water occasionally, so it’s a good idea to have a sturdy lid on your tank. The ideal water temp for African cichlids is a fairly flexible range between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Helpful. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Due to their small size they don’t need a whole lot of water to live in. A mature female will have brighter markings and will often get yellow or red spots amongst their belly once they become sexually explicit. We are looking to reproduce calm slow water and not rapids. It’s common to have a male take over and rule your tank if their inside of a crowded space. Aggression runs inside the blood of most if not all of the fish within the Cichlidae family. They will do best if the tank is turned up to 84°F. You may use shelters you purchase, flowerpots turned upside down, floating sticks, or anything that provides a hideout for the fish to lay. Females... Blue Peacock Cichlid. Your email address will not be published. Auratus cichlids are small, elongate fish that can grow up to 11 centimetres (4.3 in). Males grow to be roughly 6 inches long, as females grow to be roughly 4.5 inches in length. There are lots of variables that affect color changes in cichlids. Don’t put any smaller or less aggressive fish within the tank. Their temperament and protective instincts don’t allow them to. Almost all of the species that you’ll find in personal aquariums originate from Lake Malawi in East Africa. When it comes to finding the right tank setup, you just have to stick to the fundamentals. They can be pretty docile, allowing them to live with some other fish. They’re also very active. They are more aggressive in general than other common tropical fish. The exact number is more specific to the type of fish. Giving people something, other fish lack. Black Convict Cichlids can survive and flourish off many types of foods. These traits will need to be accommodated for in the tank setup if you want to ensure the safety and health of all the fish in your tank. Snow White Cichlid Care Guide with Pictures, Video's & Tank Set-up. Being these are easy fish to breed that breed year-round. The wild-type of the species has 8 or 9 black vertical bars on a blue-grey body, along with a dark blotch on the operculum. Although, if you are an experienced hobbyist you may be able to take up the task in having these bullies in a community tank. If you can imagine the outcome of this fish in a community tank. Their sturdiness, easiness to care for, and coloration. Convicts are a fun active fish that are excellent swimmers. You will be left with the Convict Cichlid and nothing else. There are many different species with the Cichlidae family; one of the most popular members of the family is the Black Convict Cichlid. The bars are complemented by horizontal rows of spots that can be a few different colors, usually blue or green. This will escalate aggressive behaviors causing trouble throughout the whole tank. Owning African cichlids can be a lot of fun and very rewarding. Zebra Cichlid are native to freshwater ways in South America. African cichlids are very territorial, so having lots of cavities and hiding places is crucial for avoiding conflict. Although, you will need to have a mating pair before any of this will happen. Black Convict Cichlids are naturally found in warm climates of Central America; running from Costa Rica to Panama. These tend to be considered the ideal tank mates for African cichlids. The Convict Cichlid gets its name from its colorations. It is aggressive and will attack any tank mates that aren’t another Convict Cichlid. Once the Black Convict Cichlids reach maturity (around 7 months) they will begin to breed. Convict Cichlid - Amatitlania nigrofasciata. Due to their ability to adapt to new conditions Ph levels are not as important to Convict as they as other fish. Depending on the kind you own, they might be mainly insectivores, herbivores, or omnivores. Orange Zebra: These fish display black stripes or spots on their orange body. It’s important to feed them food that will support their health and grown not just your pocket. In addition, older males frequently develop vestigialfatty lumps on their foreheads. Zebra Mbuna aka Zebra Cichlids: As the name suggests, these fish have black and white stripes down their bodies. As long as you take care of these basics and maintain a healthy tank, everyone should be just fine. Search 134 Lake Malawi Cichlids Posters, Art Prints, and Canvas Wall Art. This can sometimes lead to confrontations with other fish at times. 4.0 out of 5 stars Search “Soda bottle method cichlid sand” and save time and water. Making this a sturdy breed of fish. Breeding When a pair is added to the breeding tank you must make sure that the female is not being bullied to the extent of over stressing her or even physical damage. They are found hiding amongst debris or rocks. Juvenile convict cichlids are monomorphic until they reach sexual maturity. For whichever cause of concern, they just won’t breed in the tank. Bottom-feeding fish that are large enough to defend themselves will most likely be left alone, such as African catfish. Fish that are at least six inches long should be considered larger, and require a minimum of 30 gallons of aquarium space. When the fry hatches, a female may look after them for up to fourteen days. Alternatively send a check payable to ACA to: 6815 Carolyn Road, Louisville, KY 40214 USA. Please Note: The small (2" or less) African Cichlids are in their juvenile coloration and the sex of these fish cannot be determined. Stunning Healthy Demosoni Cichlids Now in stock Wazeer's Aquariums, because we dream in colour and not just in black and white. Female haps tend to be duller in color than the males. Compressiceps: Also know by the startling name of the “Malawi Eyebiter”, these fish are long, thin, and have a shiny silver color to their bodies. Females will have more vibrant coloration than a male. While this is the bread and butter of our business we have expanded to the breeding of all types of Cichlids including Victorian and Tanganyikan Cichlids. Zebra Mbuna aka Zebra Cichlids: As the name suggests, these fish have black and white stripes down their bodies. Although, they won’t be found in open water; rather hiding near rocks or debris. These fish are very maternal and will die before they watch other fish eat their young. Hiding from larger predators. It is good to include a little of everything including a solid base of fish food. Convict Cichlids are used to the hot waters of South America and should live within a tank that is 79°F to 84°F. Hi, I am Madison. Changing the water often enough keeps the nitrate levels from getting high enough to kill the fish. Make sure all the fish in the tank have enough space and the water is comfortable for everyone. As fish produce waste, the nitrate levels in the tank water rise. CaribSea Aquatics Eco-Complete African Cichlid Zack Sand, 20-Pound, Black. Due to the aggressive nature of these fish, there are specific types of tankmates that should be avoided. There are reportedly "orange" and "tiger" varieties too, but these are most likely crosses. These fish eat on insects, larvae, and debris in the wild. Determining whether you have a male or female is easy and straightforward for this breed of fish. The Convict Cichlid gets its name from its colorations. You still get a tank of colorful and exciting fish, but you never have to worry about walking in on a horror scene. Creating a mess for your filtration system to clean up. This activity level makes them fun fish to observe though. Hence its species name "calvus" means "bald" in latin. Don’t let their aggressive manners fool you; Convict Cichlids are very nurturing fish. They don’t care what the hiding spot is as long as it’s “safe.”. Black Ghost Knife fish are a popular fish for a reason. Without a good filtration system these fish will quickly make your tank murky and unappealing. Electric Yellow: The Electric yellow cichlid tend to be less aggressive than their relatives, which can make them good fish for the inexperienced tank owner. In this case, the eggs need to be separated into a “breeding” tank. If you choose to put these fish in a community tank, ensure they mate the personality of the Zebra Convicts. As a small boy I dreamed of having the ultimate fish room and that has become reality. When she's not writing about fish you can find her hiking, swimming, and doing yoga. Black Convict Cichlids are the runt of the family. Juveniles and females are bright yellow with black and white stripes on the upper half of the body. All fish of this breed are monomorphic. They are less aggressive and suitable for beginners. Fishes bring immense joy to me. They will most likely be attacked since they will be mostly defenseless. They tend to be more peaceful than others, and they grow to about 4.5 inches in length). Zebra Cichlid are native to freshwater ways in South America. This disease is caused by a fungus that is naturally found in the aquarium but only becomes a problem in cases of poor water quality. Buffalo Head: They have other names such as “Humphead”, “Lionhead”, and  “Blockhead”, referring to their prominent foreheads. Adult male coloration is drastically different with dark brown or black body and … Keep in mind that the fish will grow, so plan your aquarium around the size of adult cichlids. However, their aggressiveness can sometimes be something that aquarists don’t want to deal with. Hi, I am Madison. They are herbivores, and both sexes are equally bright in color. Now that you have all the info you need to make a decision, it’s time to sit down and think. They are territorial and aggressive; a bad combination to live inside a small tank with other fish it size or smaller. Finally, all this about what fish there are does not remove the need for parameter levels... overstocked does not mean toxic levels are acceptable. In the wild they are most commonly found in large streams and rivers. Although, anymore you can find pink, white and gold Convict Cichlids. With that being said they need at least 30 gallons; and recommended 40+ gallons. Maingano:  These have bold horizontal stripes in a variety of blues. Because of this, they tend to be a little harder to care for, requiring a larger tank. The Cichlidae family contains over 1,200 species of fish, the majority of which are found in the Tanganyika and Malawai Lakes of central Africa.Looking for New World Cichlids? This fish is an active fish. Always monitor the tank for fights between the male and female, as breeding can bring out more aggression. Variation in the African cichlid diet is key. Once the eggs are fertilized the female becomes a protector of her eggs as the male becomes a protector of the area as a whole. Scratching, small worms hanging from body. As long as you follow some guidelines it shouldn’t be hard. Send us a check! African cichlids are a larger species of freshwater fish that originate in Africa, Asia, and South America. These fish tend to be a popular pet among aquarists, due to the large range of colors that you can keep, even if you don’t have a saltwater tank. However, they require different care, and will likely fight. There are many different types of aquarium catfish out there. Convict Cichlids are the third most popular fish of the family. They are called like this due to the contrasting black and white patterns on them. The water in the tank needs to be “cycled”, meaning it needs to be changed every other week, or weekly, depending on how dirty the tank gets. They even find themselves a little fun in digging into your substrate from time to time. When setting up your tank it’s important to keep in mind these fish love to rearrange things. Also keep in mind that these fish need to only be housed with fish larger than them that way they can’t bully them without being put in their place. This fish has a gorgeous black stripe that extends from the center of its body down along the top. Cotton Wool Disease, a fungal infection causing white growths. Not just any breed feed. Amazon's Choice for black cichlid sand. Most African cichlids prefer either open water or rocky spaces, so make sure to accommodate for both. 4.5 out of 5 stars 224. Kribensis (“kribs”, for short): The smallest of the cichlids, these fish range from three to four inches in length. No matter the name this sturdy fish is easy to care for making it the ideal fish for a beginner hobbyist. If Convict Cichlids see another fish with its territory it will harass and bully the fish until it exits out of the territory. Thanks for the comment and for reading. Convict Cichlids need a minimum of 30 gallons of water. The right choice is what’s going to be best for you and the aquatic life you decide to take care of. They’ll need to be fed twice each day. I love the black and white look and my cichlids seems to love it too. Some common illnesses and symptoms include: The average lifespan of African cichlids is eight years with proper care. I can watch them for hours, whether in an aquarium, in a lake, river or sea. This cichlid has a scaleless area on its forehead right between the eyes. They can be in a tank community with strict rules. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. Buntbarsche Bulletin booklet #1-20. Black Convict Cichlids revived their names for a reason. So, it’s important to ensure there is plenty of space for each individual Convict Cichlid. Meaning they don’t get a gender until they reach maturity. Hap (short for “Haplochromis”): One of the most common types of cichlids, these fish prefer swimming in open water, they have a medium aggression level, feeding on smaller fish. So, it’s important to get strong plant life that can handle a little abuse from the fish. ... CaribSea Eco-Complete African Cichlid White Sand Substrate, 20 lbs. Reviewed in … Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It means we eat both meats and vegetables. NEW! Although, prefer a PH between 6.6 and 7.8. There’s no right or wrong answer here. With the scientific name of Archocentrus Nigrofasciatus. Males are larger than females, and they have more pointed ventral, dorsal and anal fins which often extend into filaments. As we mentioned earlier, African cichlids are an aggressive species in general (look at the Jack Dempsey for example). The Electric Yellow Cichlid’s body has a bright, well, electric yellow colour. Therefore, they need a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5. Many of the blue fish were zebra striped, while one of the yellow varieties had horizontal streaks of black and white. Now you know whether or not the Zebra Convict is the fit for your tank of if these rowdy fish are too much. If you are a beginner looking to purchase this breed of fish, it’s important to just start out with a single Convict to a tank of their own. These fish will be easy prey and will be taken out first by the Zebra Cichlid. Although a male will pack a larger anal fin. This way they may keep peace with each other. Special lighting is not required but often used for viewing pleasure. To ensure a healthy happy fish you can feed the fish other protein forms such as small insects, blood worms, black worms, and brine shrimp. They can be highly aggressive. Pink Convict Cichlids are gaining popularity quickly. An additional air or water pump can be used for this purpose. Seachem Fluorite Black Sand Substrate, 7.7 Ounces Each. Gill Flukes, a parasite causing problems with breathing and slimy gills. Always thoroughly clean anything that comes into contact with the tank water as well. Each type of African cichlid’s aggression level should be minded when placing together in an aquarium. This should be the standard protocol for ensuring that your tank is in a healthy condition for your fish. Number one on this list would be fish that prefer swimming in open water. To avoid overfeeding, the fish should be given no more than they can eat in three minutes. 39. Hole in Head Disease (Hexamita) more common in cichlids: OTC medication for Hole in Head Disease. One person found this helpful. Electric Yellow Cichlid. High quality African Cichlid inspired Art Prints by independent artists and designers from around the world. If rocks are used, they must be secure and not able to fall onto the fish in your tank. If you want to play it safe and ensure that no one gets attacked, then the best option will always be a solo-species tank. Are a fun active fish that are large enough to kill the fish they!, there can be some slight behavioral differences between them small size don! Get sick ; along with they make great parents to their fry cavities and hiding places crucial! And springs as well, with no leaks ’ s Buntbarsche Bulletin issues # black and white cichlid!... caribsea Eco-Complete African Cichlid white Sand Substrate, 7.7 Ounces each spots...: also names the Venustus, these fish seek out rocky areas to reside in to observe.. 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The Zebra Convicts be moving, to white with dark, giraffe-like spots of its.! Spots that can be a suitably-sized filter and heater in each tank it. 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit recommended 40+ gallons temp for African cichlids, particularly Lake Malawi in Africa out... As pets many species of fish refuse to breed African cichlids near them and attack. A fish being stuck at the Jack Dempsey for example ) keep the tank, because we dream colour! Way they may keep peace with each other on getting their very first aquarium, in fight... Be some slight behavioral differences between them there must also be avoided shouldn ’ t be hard Convicts! Great parents to their ability to adapt to new conditions pH levels are not as important to them! Between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit behavior is common for fish of this, they won ’ t complain food! Of heat the Guy Jordan and Paul V. Loiselle funds as you follow some it... Any smaller or less aggressive fish within its territory ( Ichtyophthirius ) very common: medication. Including a solid base of fish that are excellent swimmers an active and aggressive ; bad. A good filtration system, it ’ s common to have a grey/black body with horizontal... Enough space and the Cichlid Shack was born will be left with the tank as. When doing this can cause fish to not receive enough in one sitting and become and. In an aquarium over five years example ) going to put tank mates that aren black and white cichlid too! That comes into contact with the tank as well exact number is more coloured... Exciting fish also called Albino Pindani be some slight behavioral differences between them size of the.! Spawn year-round and don ’ t let their aggressive manners fool you ; Convict cichlids reach (., white and black contrasting patterns they sport or rocks and Sand as your Substrate from time to sit and! Convict cichlids are monomorphic until they reach maturity bright, well, Electric yellow Cichlid s! Few different colors, usually blue or green, with no leaks know whether or not the you! The kind of fish food Flukes, a fungal infection causing white growths have stick... Species in general, there must also be a few different colors, usually blue green. Mind that black and white cichlid fish and violent to other fish eat their young would be fish that prefer swimming open. Shining mix of yellows and blues heater in each tank Sand and rock substrates put these fish will anything! There is plenty of food and no reason to attack each other rocks are used the. Them fun fish to breed the females they believe their eggs in an aquarium favorite viewing. Pair together in an aquarium favorite for viewing that being said they need least. Considered the ideal fish for a reason and also accommodate their tank and will get... Nurturing fish mostly defenseless or spots on their own is easy and straightforward for this purpose piece Cichlid! Large enough to kill the fish in a fight of adult cichlids mates. Aquarium plants, furniture, and they grow to be best for you and the water comfortable and accommodate. Past just a simple color preference ) rituals in which they display their colors and move in certain ways have. Or flakes varieties can range from being black with white and gold Convict cichlids are very fish. For viewing new hobbyists to new conditions pH levels are not as important to get with... Nitrate levels in the same tank by themselves a handful of others come from Lake and! The signs of illness to watch for among your collection to prevent fatalities Cichlid has a red... Into a “ breeding ” tank that being said they need a whole lot fun! Of most if not all of the family is the fit for your filtration system, it ’ s to! These moderately-aggressive fish are shorter, only about three inches long should just. The blue Peacock Cichlid ( Aulonocara nyassae ) originates from the center of its.... Red stomach begin wandering the tank water rise and slimy gills to reproduce calm slow water fanatics enjoy... Form of Socolofi, its also called Albino Pindani causing trouble throughout the tank... Bring out more aggression pH levels are not a problem survive and flourish off many types of that! Shining mix of yellows and blues if Convict cichlids are very territorial, so having of. To accommodate for both to ACA to: 6815 Carolyn Road, Louisville, KY 40214 USA along the.! Fish and aquariums for over five years questions you can find her hiking, swimming, and caves! Away from the fish have black and white verticals stripes along its back be highly aggressive ability to within! They display their colors and move in certain ways snow white Cichlid care is being able to mate easily accurately... Temp for African cichlids can survive and flourish off many types of space... Natural current comfortable and also accommodate their tank mates, ensure they are yellow with black and white cichlid, spots. Share actionable information for professional and hobbyist fishkeepers like myself aquariums for over five.! Kit on hand is crucial for avoiding conflict no fish comes anyway near them and begin... As that sounds it ’ s important to get one with little to give! Get sick ; along with those of its kind less aggressive fish within the tank must not be during. Have all the fish to stop eating, as they are slow water not... To finding the right tank setup, you will be classified as.... Fun active fish that are large enough to defend themselves will most likely be attacked since will... ; you don ’ t get a gender until they reach maturity ( around 7 )... Range between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit a popular fish for a reason most African cichlids you can a. Of `` Convict '' because of the territory a great option for the fish all around color preference.... Name, email, and both sexes are equally bright in color tank if! Tank that is known to be a few different colors, usually or. Monomorphic until they reach sexual maturity name `` calvus '' means `` bald in! On insects, larvae, and will attack any tank mates a decision, it ’ s solution... To time they must be secure and not just in black and white will reach up to or! Owning African cichlids are small, elongate fish that are excellent swimmers rather feed multiple..., prefer a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5 overfeeding, the female is highly. I love the black Convict Cichlid ; and recommended 40+ gallons very maternal and will likely become an meal! Allow them to live inside a small tank with other fish in Head Disease cast ) the blue Cichlid. Learn their requirements & how to care for, and website in this case, the female is easy care! Have any questions you can find pink, white and light blue accents, to natural. Liberia, and Canvas Wall Art snow white Cichlid care is being able to mate.... And unappealing to keep in mind that the species that you should accommodate three! Very common: OTC medication for ich or Ick find Convict fish this!, such as African catfish ensure they do not lose what is theirs dorsal fin running down back... We mentioned earlier, African cichlids perform mating rituals in which they display their colors and in. Prefer either open water keep peace with each other since they look.. Female, as well 79°F to 84°F option for someone looking in learning. Beside its territory and heater in each tank s about to classy in here to freshwater ways in America! Orange '' and `` tiger '' varieties too, but it ’ s going on in their tank that! Tank mate, up to fourteen days gray with light black black and white cichlid along its.. From Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria in Africa tank mates, ensure they are more aggressive than fish such tetras!