Black Convict Cichlids are widely considered the street brawlers of the cichlid world and care must be taken when placing them with other fish. This aside they are attractive cichlids and quite popular among hobbyists.

While beautiful, like many other cichlids the Black Convict is an aggressive fish. These fish are aggressive to just about every other fish, including its own species. However, if they are kept in a large tank with other cichlids of similar size they will usually do well. It has been reported that they do well in large tanks with fish such as Oscars, Firemouth Cichlids and Severums. If you do decide to put your Black Convict in a tank with other fish, keep an eye on them. If they are beating up the other fish, you should probably separate them. These fish should not be placed in community tanks and they are widely considered one of the most aggressive of all Central and South American Cichlids for their size. There are always exceptions, however, and some individuals may not display as much aggression as others. Black Convicts should be kept in large tanks with plenty of hiding places. This includes moderate rock and plant decoration. Bear in mind that Black Convicts will most likely eat live plants.

At maturity, the Black Convict will reach a size of four to six inches. Females are more colorful than males with pinkish colors and orange scales on their sides and underbelly. Males have longer fins and a bump on their head. Males will also grow faster and larger than the females.

The Black Convict Cichlid, or Cichasoma nigrofasciatum, is originally from the Central American countries of Panama and El Salvador. It has been reported that they are also seen in Guatemala. The Black Convict is also known as the Zebra Cichlid.

Aside from its potential for destructive behavior and aggression, the Black Convict is fairly easy to care for. They should be kept in slightly acidic to neutral waters, with pH levels from six and a half to eight. They will thrive in waters with a temperature range from 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

They should be fed vegetables including spinach, zucchini, peas, and lettuce. Vegetation is important in their diet as it contributes to proper growth and enhances their colors. In addition to vegetables Black Convicts should be fed live foods including small live fish, bloodworms, glass worms, brine shrimp, and tubifex worms. Frozen, freeze-dried, and tablet foods will also be accepted.

Black Convicts will breed often. Some reports have said they breed as often as every two weeks. During spawning, females will grow an egg depositor near the anal fin. The Black Convict will lay its eggs in a dark hidden place and will care for the eggs and fry. However, Black Convicts become extremely aggressive during spawning and other fish should be removed from the tank. Also, the female and male might need to be separated after the eggs are laid, due to fighting.

Black Convicts are very unique parents, during spawning time both parents will join forces and defend their eggs and fry until they are about one inch long. Near breeding time the female will have a green coloration on her fins. In order for the female to lay her eggs, the male convict will clean the hiding space. Three days after they have laid their eggs you'll see the fry swimming with their parents. Once you have fry you must feed it newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed tropical flakes.