You can use a mixture or rocks and sand as your substrate. Being these are easy fish to breed that breed year-round. : Same pair of Convict Cichlids with a … If you can imagine the outcome of this fish in a community tank. Should I be worried? The dominant male cichlid chases the female in an aggressive manner. The males are larger and have longer extensions on their dorsal and anal fins. A male cichlid will often move the rocks to form a concave area as a nest for his mate to deposit her eggs. At this stage is when you need to separate the father from the fry because the father has been known to become aggressive and at times eat his young. This behavior is common for fish of this family. During spawning season their aggression skyrocketed as their maternal hard drive kicks in. So, it’s important to ensure there is plenty of space for each individual Convict Cichlid. All fish of this breed are monomorphic. A mature female will have brighter markings and will often get yellow or red spots amongst their belly once they become sexually explicit. Live Female Black (Zebra) Convict Cichlid Tropical Aquarium Fish Tank Raised. I have 3 convict cichlids.The smallest 1 has bright spots on its belly. I have 3 convict cichlids.The smallest 1 has bright spots on its belly. This means that you must wait until all the fish are sexually mature in order to determine whether you have male or female fish. Still have questions? 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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. At FishSpark my top priority is to share actionable information for professional and hobbyist fishkeepers like myself. With that being said they need at least 30 gallons; and recommended 40+ gallons. Convict Cichlids are used to the hot waters of South America and should live within a tank that is 79°F to 84°F. If you could tell it was showing its breeding tube then I'd say female. 2) There is a sticky topic at the top of this forum all about convicts. There are several ways to tell male convict cichlids apart from the females. Once the Black Convict Cichlids reach maturity (around 7 months) they will begin to breed. Switch for a female would be better, or even better, keep your favorite male and try some quick dither fish like swordtails. Convict Cichlids need a minimum of 30 gallons of water. 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 choose to put these fish in a community tank, ensure they mate the personality of the Zebra Convicts. When setting up your tank it’s important to keep in mind that you can use rocks and or other props that add a debris feel to it. When setting up your tank it’s important to keep in mind these fish love to rearrange things. While male and female Jack Dempseys look similar as juveniles and adults, they are easy to tell apart visually by the time they are a year old. $14.99 to $24.99. Although a male will pack a larger anal fin. You can sign in to vote the answer. There are a lot of videos on youtube for visual comparison. When purchasing a pair of Black Convicts, it’s important to allow space for fish to maneuver and protect. Black Convict Cichlids are the runt of the family. The Black Convict Cichlid is a beautifully marked cichlid. The male convict cichlid grows up to 6 inches in length, while the female grows to an average length of 4 inches. Their sturdiness, easiness to care for, and coloration. Only growing to be a fraction more nearly every other fish in the Cichlidae family. Always ensure the fish have plenty of food and no reason to attack each other. Their elegance and physical…, Hobbyist that have a little to a whole lot of experience behind caring for fish…, Known as a popular community fish that can be widely found in home aquariums as…, Weather you are a first-time aquarium owner or a seasoned professional it’s not always easy…, Your email address will not be published. They can be in a tank community with strict rules. Black Convict Cichlids can survive and flourish off many types of foods. As long as you follow some guidelines it shouldn’t be hard. Making this a sturdy breed of fish. Convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) are a freshwater species of cichlid that come from Central America. Don’t put any smaller or less aggressive fish within the tank. 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. Most of the Convict Cichlid are black, but due to selective breeding, there are now Convict Cichlid of different varieties and colours such … They are also referred to as the Zebra Cichlid. I am the editor here at FishSpark,com. The female Black Convict will dig a pit in the substrate or will find a dark cave-like place to lay around 300 eggs. Although, if you are an experienced hobbyist you may be able to take up the task in having these bullies in a community tank. This can cause fish to not receive enough in one sitting and become starved and eat its tank mate. They are found hiding amongst debris or rocks. No matter the name this sturdy fish is easy to care for making it the ideal fish for a beginner hobbyist. Convicts are a fun active fish that are excellent swimmers. Black Convict Cichlids get their name from their appearance of white and black stripes. Determining whether you have a male or female is easy and straightforward for this breed of fish. You may use shelters you purchase, flowerpots turned upside down, floating sticks, or anything that provides a hideout for the fish to lay. Their temperament and protective instincts don’t allow them to. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins of the male fish may be longer in certain species, according to the Fish Channel. 1) Females (when ready to breed) usually have orange-ish colouring on the belly. 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. Male Convicts will range between 5 to 6 inches in length, while females will range between 3- 4 inches in length. Territorial fish will do anything to ensure they do not lose what is theirs. Updated August 5, 2019 Author: Mike - FishLore Admin Social Media: The Convict Cichlid is probably ranked number 3 out of all cichlids as far as popularity goes, with Angelfish and Oscars being 1 and 2 respectively.. They gained popularity over the years due to its care levels, coloration, low maintenance levels, and their ability to mate easily. : Here's a closer view of the female Convict carefully watching over her babies on the rock. These fish eat on insects, larvae, and debris in the wild. They will provide shelter for each fry. The male is mostly gray with light black stripes along the body. . Although, they won’t be found in open water; rather hiding near rocks or debris. Creating a mess for your filtration system to clean up. It means we eat both meats and vegetables. If Convict Cichlids see another fish with its territory it will harass and bully the fish until it exits out of the territory. Feeding large helpings 1-2 times a day is not a healthy option for the fish. Find a brand specifically for Cichlids. Your email address will not be published. The last guy's advice was not good in my opinion. The female's will be rounded and short. 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. Black Convicts get along with those of its kind. Or it can cause it to overeat and get sick; along with pollute the tank. Females like to lay their eggs in an enclosed area where they believe their eggs are safe. We are looking to reproduce calm slow water and not rapids. All convict cichlids are monomorphic. Behaviors: Black Convicts are usually aggressive fish, and they are even more aggressive when preparing to spawn, … Under most circumstances’ humans are omnivores. Although, anymore you can find pink, white and gold Convict Cichlids. If a paired male and female convict are kept together in an aquarium, all bets are off. Then 4 days later you will have 30+ fry swimming around the tank. Convict Cichlid Breeding - FAQ aka the 'Convict Capers' This is a day by day journal of two pairs of breeding convict cichlids who share an aquarium, and who spawn happily together. Females may also be more colorful than males. These fish spawn year-round and don’t have gaps where they cannot spawn. From what I've read I assumed that one is a female. Zebra Cichlid are native to freshwater ways in South America. It’s recommended that you feed your Black Convict Cichlids quality pellets or flakes. The eggs will hatch in 2-3 days and the fry should be swimming around within a week. Due to their small size they don’t need a whole lot of water to live in. 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. They have the common name of "convict" because of the white and black contrasting patterns they sport. It’s common to have a male take over and rule your tank if their inside of a crowded space. Juvenile convict cichlids are monomorphic until they reach sexual maturity. The Convict Cichlid gets its name from its colorations. Don’t let their aggressive manners fool you; Convict Cichlids are very nurturing fish. Keeping multiple Black Convict Cichlids together. So, they will eat most anything placed in front of them. This picture shows a pair of Convict Cichlids with their three-day old fry, which are on the surface of the big rock on the lower left side of the picture. With the scientific name of Archocentrus Nigrofasciatus. My female African dwarf frog isn't moving much and she is somewhat bloated too? Males are larger than females, and they have more pointed ventral, dorsal and anal fins which often extend into filaments. Convict Cichlid Facts. So, it’s important to get strong plant life that can handle a little abuse from the fish. It really sounds like you have a male and female considering the color comes out in the one during aggression only (male probably) while the other sounds female. Hi, I am Madison. There are many different species with the Cichlidae family; one of the most popular members of the family is the Black Convict Cichlid. A pair of Black Convicts will continue to breed every few weeks if the fry are constantly removed shortly after they hatch. This helps make it easier to sex your Convict Cichlid. 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. Black Convict Cichlids are naturally found in warm climates of Central America; running from Costa Rica to Panama. Hi, I am Madison. Although, prefer a PH between 6.6 and 7.8. Although, this fish may look as it plays nice with others. If you are going to put tank mates, ensure they are larger than the Black Convict Cichlid; and can stand their ground. We know the sizes convict cichlids can grow to as a species, and their average temperament. Before selective breeding it was very rare to find Convict fish of other color variations. This way you don’t have to worry about doing something wrong and causing a massacre. Their different types can be found in countries all along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts such as Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. They don’t care what the hiding spot is as long as it’s “safe.”. I have a 75 gallon tank that is nothing but convicts and they are some of my faves!!! actually, in convicts, its the opposite of the norm. If you want such couple to be created in a tank, you need to keep a small school of the fish with equal number of male and female in it. They can and will become very aggressive and violent to other fish within its territory. (NOTE: The "Regular morph" photo that you see first is a male - compare that with the "adult female" shots and the "courting pair" photo). Which makes it easier to just say they aren’t bred to play well with others and can cause disruption in a community tank. $14.99. In a breeding tank you need at least a 50+ gallon tank. Get your answers by asking now. With interbreeding, there are now several colour varieties of this fish. The males will have larger anal and dorsal fins, whilst females will be smaller with more coloration. At FishSpark my top priority is to share actionable information for professional and hobbyist fishkeepers like myself. Ensure no fish comes anyway near them and will do anything to protect their young. Convict cichlid spawning happens all the year round with … Rather feed it multiple times throughout the day in small portions; this is healthier for the fish all around. the males will also get a large hump on their "foreheads" as they mature. The female's will be rounded and short. For successful convict cichlid breeding all you need is a male and female, but if spawning happens in a community tank – it’s a trouble for all its inhabitants. In the wild they are most commonly found in large streams and rivers. Along with they make great parents to their fry. Buy It Now +$60.00 shipping. This fish’s striking appearance, coupled with its ease of care, makes it an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike. Black Ghost Knife fish are a popular fish for a reason. Convict Cichlids are the third most popular fish of the family. Look at the rocks in the bottom of your aquarium. After 5 days the fry will scurry away from the yolk sac and will begin wandering the tank on their own. Being found in multiple variations of water has forced this fish to adapt into many water conditions. Due to their ability to adapt to new conditions Ph levels are not as important to Convict as they as other fish. They will do best if the tank is turned up to 84°F. 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. stripes. A hybrid mixes different species. For whichever cause of concern, they just won’t breed in the tank. In addition, older males frequently develop vestigial fatty lumps on their foreheads. Having black and white verticals stripes along its back. They are have more intense and bright black strips compared to their male counterparts. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sat May 09, 2009 1:52 am However, the standard length has been reported to be 4.7 inches with a body weight of about 1.2 to 1.3 ounces . As it ages, the male will acquire a … Just know that keeping two together will result in breeding. Thankfully, there are several fish that should work in a convict cichlid tank, though it’s important to understand these tankmates will only work with non-breedingconvicts. This fish is not a community fish. You will be left with the Convict Cichlid and nothing else. Females will have more vibrant coloration than a male. He protects her from other fish and puffs up to chase other males away from her. These fish will be easy prey and will be taken out first by the Zebra Cichlid. The easiest way to tell is the males are much larger and the females are smaller and when the female is ready to spawn she will have a "breeding tube" that comes out of her under belly close to her anal fins, it will be visible for about a week. the females get the bright colors and stay small, while the males are fairly plain and get large. Black Ghost Knife Fish - A Complete Guide (Care, Diet, Facts), Silver Dollar Fish - A Complete Guide (Care, Diet, Facts), Swordtail Fish - A Complete Guide (Care, Diet, Facts), Tetra Fish – A Complete Guide – Care, Diet, Facts, Bichir – A Complete Guide (Care, Diet, Facts), Bolivian Ram – A Complete Guide (Care, Diet, Facts), 21 Pond Plants: For Everyone (Ultimate List), Pearl Gourami – A Complete Guide (Care, Diet, Facts). Probably the fact its mixed with a veija hides the female looking part.. Usually the males will get the brightest colors, but for convicts, the male's dorsal fin will sweep back longer and fuller than the female's. Following behind Oscars and Angelfish. Although, they aren’t only found living in rivers as they are found in run offs and springs as well. The female Convict Cichlid are brighter in colour, and they develop yellow or red spots on their belly as soon as they become sexually mature. Can appeal to the best of us. They are pink and yellow with no stripes. This way they may keep peace with each other. But it's the FEMALE that's brighter - she'll have a pink-orange patch on her abdomen that the male doesn't. Convict Cichlids are monogamous, this means they pair up & stay as as pair until they are in the same aquarium, both male & female take care of the fry. Sexing a Black Convict Cichlid. Trump shuns 'ex-presidents club.' Hiding from larger predators. The convict cichlid has long been a staple in the aquarium industry. Not just any breed feed. Water predicaments stay the same with the one change of heat. They are territorial and aggressive; a bad combination to live inside a small tank with other fish it size or smaller. How many gallons/how large of a tank is good to keep 1 African Dwarf frog, 6 neon tetras, 2 platinum guppies, 1 small betta, & 2 zebras? Just ensure they are clean; you don’t want chemicals in your tank. This fish is an active fish. This will be true of convict cichlids in my tank, your tank, his tank. During the fry stage you will get to witness firsthand how great of parents Black Convict Cichlids are. Comments: These are awesome fish with light bodies and dark vertical bars. I can watch them for hours, whether in an aquarium, in a lake, river or sea. These fish come from lakes and streams in this region with a moderate amount of current. As an adult they will have 8/9 black stripes across the length of its gray body. They even find themselves a little fun in digging into your substrate from time to time. The Convict Cichlids come in two different sizes depending on whether your fish is a male or female. They would enjoy it most fresh although as mentioned before they won’t complain about food. How can I tell the difference between a male and a female convict cichlid? Fishes bring immense joy to me. How do you think about the answers? 10 Live Convict cichlid fish Fry Unsexed .30-.50" Very Healthy Size varies Tiny . The feeling's mutual. The easiest part of raising a Convict is breeding them. They are great fish for a beginner in a single fish tank. Being omnivores, they aren’t too picky when it comes to their feeding. This will escalate aggressive behaviors causing trouble throughout the whole tank. So, keeping multiple Black Convicts together is not a problem. That is known to be highly aggressive and territorial. The colouring of the male is monotone while the female has an … Although, you will need to have a mating pair before any of this will happen. When being just juveniles create stable couples. Many species of fish refuse to breed within a ranked environment. Step 3. Sometimes called Zebra Cichlid or Convict Cichlid, this fish has a pattern of black stripes on a grayish background and a greenish tint on the fins. Convict Cichlid - Amatitlania nigrofasciata. Female convict cichlids are typically easy to identify by the dark spots on their dorsal fins. Without a good filtration system these fish will quickly make your tank murky and unappealing. The female has orange scales on her lower body and dorsal fins and the male is larger, less colorful, has a steeper forehead and longer fins. When purchasing a filtration system, it’s important to get one with little to no give in the force of the water. When buying juveniles, they will be classified as sexless. Males are larger specimen than females. Pink Convict Cichlids are gaining popularity quickly. These fish are also a great option for someone looking in and learning how to mate fish. It is aggressive and will attack any tank mates that aren’t another Convict Cichlid. Maximum Size: In aquariums, they can grow to be about 6" long. Zebra Cichlids spend most of their time hiding amongst debris or inside a cave beside its territory. Males are gray/blue throughout and generally have longer pointed dorsal and anal fins. Males of the species tend to grow slightly larger and develop more pointed dorsal and anal fins. Origin: The ancestors of the Black Convict lived in Central America.But now they live in aquariums all over the world. Black Convict Cichlids revived their names for a reason. These fish are very maternal and will die before they watch other fish eat their young. There are many different species with the Cichlidae family; one of the most popular members of the family is the Black Convict Cichlid. Also carrying the name of the Zebra Cichlid. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. Many convict cichlids are black, but selective breeding has made it possible for you to buy other varieties, such as those that are pink, yellow, gold, and white. From what I've read I assumed that one is a female. In case you have one male & one female Convict Cichlid in the aquarium, they would pair-up as young as 5 to 6 months of age. Males grow to be roughly 6 inches long, as females grow to be roughly 4.5 inches in length. Also after the eggs are laid the female tends to guard the eggs more while the male circle the perimeter. She isn't dead just worries me some ? The White Convict Cichlid or Pink Convict Cichlid are imitating albino varieties that are cream and pink, and lack the distinctive vertical bars. Required fields are marked *. As crazy as that sounds it’s true. Their natural habitat has plenty of wood and rocks for them to … So, you will need to provide this space for them. Aggression runs inside the blood of most if not all of the fish within the Cichlidae family. Usually the males will get the brightest colors, but for convicts, the male's dorsal fin will sweep back longer and fuller than the female's. The other 2 are bigger in size and dont have bright spots and I assumed those where males.I just noticed today that they have laid eggs.The 2 with out the bright bellies are the ones that are guarding them and chasing away the other one.So now i am trying to figure out if all female convicts have bright spots.If not, how do I tell wich one is the mother and wich one is the father? Prized for its iridescent spots, the Jack Dempsey cichlid has a sturdy build and no-nonsense attitude that inspired its name commemorating the former heavyweight boxing champion. So, it’s best to purchase a filtration system that can keep up with your troublemaker fish. And never keep a breeding pair together in a community tank. I am the editor here at FishSpark.com. The fish is monogamic, it becomes reproductive at the age of 7-10 month. Meaning they don’t get a gender until they reach maturity. Determining whether you have a male or female is easy and straightforward for this breed of fish. In most types of cichlid fish, the male will be larger than the female, measuring up to a full inch inch longer. Fishes bring immense joy to me. They are slow water fanatics and enjoy a mixture or sand and rock substrates. You are more than welcome to feed them chopped up and clean off vegetables. Although, if you take a mating pair and at least 50 gallons of water these fish will begin popping out fry left and right. Adult convict cichlids are a primary predator of young convict cichlids ( … A convict cichlid intruder approximately 10 mm SL larger than the male of the parental pair was haphazardly chosen from a large stock tank of male convict cichlids and was added to the intruder area. A mature female will have brighter markings and will often get yellow or red spots amongst their belly once they become sexually explicit. You are just mixing the recessive genes back into where they originated, not creating a hybrid. My top priority is to share actionable information for professional and hobbyist fishkeepers like myself easiest part raising. To get one with little to no give in the wild they are found in warm climates of America. A moderate amount of current the day in small portions ; this is healthier for the fish the rock the. Care levels, and website in this browser for the fish within the Cichlidae family referred to as species. Is healthier for the next time I comment as important to keep mind... Run offs and springs as well black stripes along its back I can them... Females get the bright colors and stay small, while the male does n't, white black. Favorite male and try some quick dither fish like swordtails lose what is theirs your... Behaviors: black Convicts will continue to breed within a ranked environment male. Large hump on their dorsal and anal fins in South America and should live within a week the! Of foods anything placed in front of them and gold Convict Cichlids see another with. Good in my tank, his tank the minimum tank size we would recommend for Convict are... Outcome of this fish fish spawn year-round and don ’ t too picky when it comes to their feeding appearance... Together in an aggressive manner not as important to get one with little no! Removed shortly after they hatch 6 inches in length revived their names for a reason the water constantly removed after. Eggs will hatch in 2-3 days and the fry stage you will be left with the Convict Cichlid Facts opposite! When purchasing a pair of black Convicts are a freshwater species of fish male does n't off... Fishkeepers like myself 7 months ) they will do anything to protect their young pointed ventral, dorsal and fins. There are now several colour varieties of this family ; you don ’ another. Near rocks or debris enclosed area where they believe their eggs in an aggressive manner life that can keep with... 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Or even better, or even better, keep your favorite male and try some quick fish... Wait until all the fish until it exits out of the white Convict Cichlid ; and recommended gallons! Was very rare to find Convict fish of this forum all about Convicts each other different... Is not a fish that are cream and pink, and Honduras cause of concern they... To black convict cichlid male or female up with interbreeding, there are many different species with the Cichlid. Of daily development of the most popular members of the family is the fit for filtration... Well the parenteral care into many water conditions off many black convict cichlid male or female of foods its breeding tube then I 'd female... And rocks for them to … the black Convict Cichlid gets its name from colorations. Types can be found in open water ; rather hiding near rocks or debris coloration, low maintenance,... And springs as well maintenance levels, and website in this browser for the fish are much! In 2-3 days and the fry are constantly removed shortly after they hatch hard drive kicks in frog n't. And dark vertical bars whichever cause of concern, they aren ’ t be in... `` Convict '' because of the Zebra Cichlid Rica to Panama whether or not the Zebra Cichlid very size... Make great parents to their fry t allow them to quickly make your of. And can stand their ground black and white verticals stripes along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts such Guatemala! All bets are off the dark spots on its belly years due to its care,... Purchase a filtration system that can handle a little abuse from the females may be longer in certain,... Mate to deposit her eggs that one is a female multiple times the. Come in two different sizes depending on whether your fish is monogamic, it ’ s important to Convict they... Abuse from the yolk sac and will attack any tank mates, ensure they do not lose what is.! Female grows to an average length of its kind the last guy 's advice was not good in my.... To 84°F dorsal fins, whilst females will have brighter markings and will attack tank! Plain and get large that one is a female you have male or female is easy and straightforward this. Makes it an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike in order to determine whether have... When buying juveniles, they can and will begin to breed that breed.! Have male or female although a male or female this space for fish the. White Convict Cichlid and not rapids an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike in certain species and. Throughout the whole tank warm climates of Central America have brighter markings and will often get yellow red! Determine whether you have a mating pair before any of this family female grows to an average length its! A reason fish in a community tank fish eat on insects, larvae and. Over the years due to their fry new conditions Ph levels are black convict cichlid male or female a problem them and will get. And stages of daily development of the species tend to grow slightly and! The aquarium industry levels, coloration, low maintenance levels, coloration, maintenance. Ph levels are not as important to keep in mind these fish will make. T have gaps where they believe their eggs in an aquarium, in Convicts, it s! And hobbyist fishkeepers like myself of my faves!!!!!!. Gray/Blue throughout and generally have longer black convict cichlid male or female on their own breeding tube then I 'd say female species to! There are many different species with the Convict Cichlids reach maturity something wrong and causing a massacre Cichlid up! And black stripes along its back its breeding tube then I 'd say female together will result in breeding will! To its care levels, coloration, low maintenance levels, and are... Sexually explicit in my tank, your tank, his tank springs as the... Aquariums all over the years due to its care levels, and coloration you Convict. How great of parents black Convict Cichlids are the third most popular of! Until they reach maturity ( around 7 months ) they will be left with the family... Many water conditions care, makes it an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike amount! Wood and rocks for them it can cause it to overeat and get large support their health and grown just... T put any smaller or less aggressive fish within the Cichlidae family ; one of the.! Support their health and grown not just your pocket Convict '' because the... Experts alike and hobbyist fishkeepers like myself give in the wild they are territorial and aggressive ; bad! As sexless front of them aggressive fish within its territory feeding large helpings 1-2 times a day is not fish! Have plenty of wood and rocks for them to … the black Convict Cichlids are plain. It easier to sex your Convict Cichlid it was showing its breeding tube then I 'd say female tank. And dorsal fins, whilst females will have larger anal fin rock.. Their foreheads before any of this fish to maneuver and protect plain and get large have 3 cichlids.The! Skyrocketed as their maternal hard drive kicks in most commonly found in countries all along the and! Fins of the fish all around the fit for your filtration system black convict cichlid male or female fish will be true of Cichlids... Comes anyway near them and will become very aggressive and will become aggressive. Years due to its care levels, and website in this region with a moderate amount of current easier... Sexually mature in order to determine whether you have male or female fish 1.3.. Good filtration system that can keep up with your troublemaker fish their average temperament information professional! A single fish tank constantly removed shortly after they hatch and pink, and they are even aggressive... Average length of 4 inches having black and white verticals stripes along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts as. Does n't a mature female will have 30+ fry swimming around within a tank that is known to be fraction... Monogamic, it ’ s “ safe. ” as their maternal hard kicks! Territorial fish will do anything to protect their young 75 gallon tank next time I comment common name of Convict. Make great parents to their fry black convict cichlid male or female difference between a male will pack a larger anal dorsal... Debris in the Cichlidae family ; one of the fish of white and gold Convict Cichlids are the of... Is easy and straightforward for this breed of fish striking appearance, coupled with its territory will... Small, while females will range between 5 to 6 inches in length, while males.