Convict cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
The convict cichlid from Central America has black vertical bars — hence the name, after striped prison uniforms. It lives in flowing water with rocks and branches. Omnivorous. Both parents vigorously guard the eggs and fry. It has been introduced to many countries, including warm power-station outflows.
- Scientific name
- Amatitlania nigrofasciata
- Family
- Cichlidae
Fact sheet
General
- Water
- Freshwater
- Group
- Fish
Taxonomy
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Order
- Cichliformes
- Synonyms
- Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum, Cichlosoma nigrofasciatum, Cryptoheros nigrofasciatus, Heros nigrofasciatus
Origin
- Native region
- América do Norte
Water
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 6–8
- General hardness (GH)
- 5–25 °dGH
Size and lifespan
- Adult size
- 15 cm
Behavior
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Social life
- Pair
- Swimming level
- Middle
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care
- Care difficulty
- Moderate
Conservation and trade
- IUCN status
- Data deficient (DD)
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