Breeding Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania Nigrofasciata) In The Aquarium

Habitat

A freshwater fish that naturally inhabits both flowing waters (rivers, streams, tributaries) and stagnant waters (ponds, lakes) in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica. It predominantly inhabits coastal zones protected by plants, rocks, stones or roots.

Appearance

The fish is characterized by a blue-gray body color, with a darker head and belly. There are 9 navy-blue graphite transverse stripes on the fish's side. The first stripe is just behind the head, and the last one is through the base of the caudal fin. Stripes 2 and 3 join halfway down the body. This species has an additional set of teeth located in its throat, and sharply ended last rays of the dorsal, anal, pectoral, and ventral fins. Males are significantly larger than females, and their dorsal and anal fins are elongated, ending in a point (after reaching sexual maturity). In older specimens, a fat bump often appears on the forehead. Females, on the other hand, become more brightly colored during spawning, with orange pigment appearing on the belly and dorsal fin. There are several color variants of this species bred artificially: pink, albino, marbled, and with elongated fins.

Disposition

These individuals are very aggressive and territorial. In addition, they like to nip at other fish's fins. These behaviours intensify, especially during spawning. Therefore, these fish should be kept in a species tank or a very large community tank, with other aggressive cichlids from Central America (e.g. blue acara, honey cichlid, blue-eyed cichlid or orange-finned cichlid). This is a hardy species that breeds very easily. It actively swims at all levels of the tank.

Aquarium

The aquarium should be equipped with numerous hiding places (roots, rocks, stones,) and secluded places for prospective parents (caves, pots, coconut shells, etc.). Soft substrate, flat stones and floating plants will be a good addition. These cichlids like to dig in the tank bottom, so we should avoid delicate plants and those planted directly in the substrate. The fish is sensitive to an excess of nitrates and sudden changes in pH - regular partial water changes (approx. 15-20% per week) and effective filtration are essential.

Reproduction

An oviparous species. Fish breed in pairs, which form spontaneously from a larger school. Once a pair is formed, the male becomes very aggressive and territorial toward other fish. Fish breed in a community aquarium. They only need hiding places - a cave, upside-down pot, or coconut shell. Fish are stimulated to spawn by feeding them live food, regular water changes (about 20-25% every 3 days), or a slight increase in water temperature. Before spawning, the female and male become more brightly colored and begin preparing the hiding place. The female lays eggs in batches, and the male fertilizes them. The female can lay 150-300 eggs, which she guards and cares for (fanning them with her tail for proper oxygenation). The male guards the territory, driving away potential intruders. The eggs hatch after 3-4 days and the larvae are moved by the female to a previously dug hole in the substrate or on the surface of, for example, a stone. After about 4-7 days, the fry swim freely in search of food. The parents take care of the fry for several more weeks. After this time, the young should be separated from the parents, who can start another spawn.