#Red zebra cichlid breeding free

They are also not very particular about their partners any male and female species of the convict cichlid fish would breed together to produce offspring. Convict Cichlid Breedingīreeding convict cichlid fish is as easy as it gets! All you have to do is keep a male and female species together, and provide them with an adequate water supply and suitable temperature, they will rapidly multiply. While the breeding period for female convict fish lasts about once per season, the fish in aquariums can breed after every 13 to 15 days, provided that they have suitable environmental conditions available. It takes 4 to 6 months for a convict cichlid fish fry to reach sexual maturity. However, like in other species, they too are required to return before the dark.

#Red zebra cichlid breeding free

The larvae born after hatching do not have completely developed fins, thus, another period of 72 hours is required for that.Īfter this, the fry develops its fins and is free to swim around with its school. The parents keep predatory species away from their eggs, and constantly fan the eggs from time to time, using their fins this is done to increase oxygen availability to the eggs during development. During this time, their parents have two major functions to perform warding off intruders and providing enough oxygen to the eggs. The life cycle of convict cichlidsĪ convict cichlid egg takes about 72 hours post-fertilization to hatch. The convict cichlids have been widely researched and studied over their behavioral patterns. Since they usually breed in higher temperatures, they tend to demonstrate territorial behavior, in order to protect their eggs.Ĭonsequently, while keeping them in an aquarium, it is essential that they have enough room for themselves. Environmental factors play a great role in their changing behavior patterns. The cichlid fish are known for being aggressive and territorial, and the convict cichlids are no different. However, their gut health can be negatively affected by anxiety. Their adaptability to different kinds of food and environment makes them a popular aquarium fish. Their ability to protrude their jaw helps them to prey on other fish and successfully compete for it. They can feed on living, dead, meaty, and vegetable food. The convict cichlids can even survive on flakes or dead microorganisms. Ideally, the convict cichlids prey on small fish or insects like worms, or small plants like algae, and mainly crustaceans. The convict cichlids are known to show more aggression than normal in warm climates.Īlthough not as populated as in Central America, they can also be found in Mexico, Japan, Columbia, and Australia. Their preferred pH is neutral but they can survive from 6.6 to 7.8 pH, while they are more adaptable and tolerant of cool temperatures. The convict cichlids prefer flowing water to still and are usually found in rocky habitats, with fissures and clefts on the surface where they can hide for safety.

The East coast habitat is from Guatemala to Costa Rica, while on the west coast they are found from Honduras to Panama. The species of convict cichlids originate from Central America. They sometimes also develop fatty lumps on their foreheads with old age these lumps seem to have no function. The male convict cichlid fish are usually larger and have more pointed sets of fins when compared to the female convict cichlids. The wild convict cichlids usually have vertical black stripes, on a greyish-blue body. Despite this, their weights are almost equal, about 33 to 37 grams. The female species are about 5 cm long, while the males measure up to 6.5 cm. While they can be found in a huge range of colors and contrasts, female fish are rather brighter than the male of the species. The convict cichlids are colorfully striped. Tank Set-Up: Freshwater: Driftwood and CavesĬompatibility: Limited: Aggressive General Description Scientific Name: Archocentrus nigrofasciatus The average life expectancy of the convict cichlid is up to 10 years. They breed frequently when provided a safe environment and a safe place to keep their eggs secured.Ī baby convict cichlid might take about 6 months to mature, during which its parents are fiercely protective of them, to the point of being aggressive towards other fishes if needed. They are not only the third most popular species of cichlids but are also classified among the most populous species. They are called like this due to the contrasting black and white patterns on them.ĭue to this striped pattern, they are also known as zebra cichlids. Convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) also known as Zebra cichlid is a species of fish belonging to the Cichlidae family.