Where do most cichlids come from?

How to keep cichlids alive in an aquarium?

Most aquarists who keep the cichlids rely on hang on back filters, which are effective in medium-sized tanks. The filter you choose should also boost the aeration of the aquarium. Aeration is vital because the cichlids rarely seek the water’s surface, where most of the oxygen circulates.

Is it hard to keep cichlids?

Keeping cichlids is not an easy task. Their size and aggression make them more difficult to look after compared to other tropical fish. Those who have done their research and have time to devote to fishkeeping will be able to maintain a healthy tank and keep some of the most rewarding fish available.

What do cichlids look like?

Cichlids have bright colors and patterns. They are also active and social, and display some unique behaviors, especially when mating. Those who keep any of these species won’t be disappointed.

What are the best types of cichlid fishes?

Ramirezi is known as one of the best types of cichlid fishes for those who decided to try to keep this kind of fish in a tank. The fish is small, peaceful, very bright and it eats all types of feed. They are isn’t demanding as for the water parameters and it adapts well, but it’s sensitive to abrupt water parameters change.

Can cichlids live in an acrylic aquarium?

This acrylic aquarium is not only 17 times stronger than glass but also half the weight. This would make a great home for the average sized cichlid. Without a doubt Cichlids are by far one of the most popular types of freshwater fish. They are renowned for their stunning visual appearance, unique behaviors and fun personalities.

Are African cichlids stressed?

The worse the water quality, the more stressful African cichlids are. This is true for pretty much every fish species that is not living in its preferred water conditions. Stress works the same way for humans as well. When we are too stressed on a daily basis, our immune system weakens and we get sick.

Where do convict cichlids live in the wild?

This aquarium comes complete with lights and would be ideal for a pair of convict cichlids. Similar to many other varieties of Cichlids, the Convict Cichlid is native to the streams of Central America. In particular, the species thrives on the western coast of Honduras.

Are convict cichlids good for aquariums?

Although they aren’t an ‘expert-only’ aquarium buy, Convict Cichlids do require some specialist care due to their somewhat aggressive nature. However, if correctly looked after, these guys make a marvellous addition to any aquarist’s collection. The minimum tank size for the Convict Cichlid is ideally 30 gallons.

Where do convict cichlids live?

Convict Cichlids naturally inhabit the warm rivers of Central America, ranging from Costa Rica across to Panama. In addition to rivers they will be found in streams.

What is the minimum tank size for convict cichlids?

Our recommended minimum tank size for convict cichlids is 30 gallons. Some aquarists say you can get away with tanks as small as 20 gallons, but we disagree. The extra space will go a long way when it comes to keeping these fish happy. Territorial fish that are prone to aggression tend to behave significantly worse in small aquariums.

What should I do if my convict cichlid has Ich?

For example, if your convict cichlid has Ich you’ll see white spots on their body that will progressively get worse as the disease spreads. Taking the time to look for these signs will help you nip anything unwanted in the bud before it becomes a larger problem. As always, the best course of action is to not let your fish get sick at all.

Can convict cichlids sex?

When the females reach breeding maturity, the belly of the fish will take on red hue, making sexing quite easy in mature convict cichlid fish. Housing Convict cichlids can be a messy fish, and should generally be housed in a spacious, species only tank.

How to tell the difference between male and Female Convict cichlids?

It is easiest to tell the difference between a male and a female with the white convict Cichlids because the orange belly of the fish really stands out against the white color. Like most, the male is bigger and has longer fins than the female. Can Convict Cichlids Change Gender?

What is the etymology of the convict cichlid?

Etymology. The common name convict cichlid is, like the species name, derived from the vertical black stripes on the body which are reminiscent of the striped prison uniforms of British convicts. Similarly, the species epithet nigrofasciatus literally means “black-striped”.

Can a convict cichlid be kept in a tank?

As a small-sized fish, Convict Cichlid can be kept easily, they don’t require much tank space. It is recommended to choose wisely their tank mates, due to their aggressive and territorial nature. Going for other fish members of the Cichlid family is the best option.

What to do if you have convict cichlids in your tank?

I personally know people who have had oscars and firemouth cichlids killed by breeding convict cichlids. The best thing you can do in a situation like this is create different areas in the tank through use of plants and ornaments to break up the line-of-sight.

What do convict cichlids like in their tank?

In the waters of South America, the Convict Cichlid enjoys rooting about in lots of vegetation, so it is good to include plants in your tank. Hornwort is a great option, as well as floating plants whose roots will hang down and provide lots of tendrils for the fish to explore in.

Can you put convict cichlids in the same tank?

Most people tend to put Convict Cichlids in solo tanks or put a male and female in a tank as a pair. The more Convict Cichlids you add to a same species tank, the higher the chance that they will become aggressive.

Can convict cichlids live in acidic water?

Convict cichlids can live under various parameters of water acidity and hardness. However, tank water should have a pH of about 6.6–7.8 and a hardness of 6 — 20 dGH. In the wild, the fish dwells at rather a wide temperature range.

How many bars of color does a convict cichlid have?

The coloration can vary based on age, gender, and type, but we’ll speak to the standard convict cichlid variation that most people know about. These fish usually have around eight of these bars, but this number can be slightly higher or lower depending on genetic components.

How do I look after a convict cichlid?

The Convict Cichlid is an undemanding fish and very easy to look after. A sandy substrate with roots, rocks and pieces of driftwood will make your Cichlid feel comfortable.

What kind of fish are in a convicts tank?

Such fish include T-Bar cichlids, Honduran red points, Green Terrors, Jewel cichlids, Salvini, Jack Dempsey, (Keep in mind as Dempseys outgrow the convicts territorial issues will become a problem.) Pictus catfish, plecostomus, as well as other convicts.

Do convict cichlids change gender?

No, convict cichlids do not change gender. However, the female convict cichlids are great actors. The next female in line will act as a male and be able to fertilize the eggs when a dominant female isn’t paired off.

Can you put a convict cichlid in a community tank?

One convict cichlid alone or a male and female combo are two common choices. The more you add, the higher the chance for territorial and aggression. Also, don’t put a male and female in a community tank! This will ramp up the aggression and territorial behavior significantly and surely lead to someone getting hurt.

What are the best cichlids to keep with convict fish?

The Firemouth cichlid is one of the more obvious choices when it comes to Convict tank mates, as they come from the same area. They are thriving in the same water conditions, preferring a tropical temperature and a pH of 7.0-8.0.