# Convict Cichlid (*Archocentrus nigrofasciatus*) The Convict Cichlid is a small fish with bold black stripes. They are known for their playful behavior and can be very friendly. - **Category:** [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fish) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Also known as:** Black-striped Cichlid, Zebra Cichlid ![Convict Cichlid](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424472/objects/4750.jpg) ## Appearance The Convict Cichlid has a compact, oval body marked by striking vertical black bars against a pale grey or bluish-grey background. Females are often distinguished by a vibrant orange or gold patch on their dorsal fin and sometimes on their belly, making them more colorful than males. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Actinopterygii - **Order:** Perciformes - **Family:** Cichlidae - **Genus:** Amatitlania ## Interesting facts - A female Convict Cichlid can lay hundreds of eggs every few weeks! - Despite their small size, they are incredibly tough and fearless fish! - Their stripes get even darker and bolder when they are ready to find a mate! - They are named 'Convict' because their stripes look like old prison uniforms! ## Special abilities - **Super Parents:** Convict Cichlid has strong parental instincts that helps them fiercely guard their eggs and fry from predators. - **Stripey Camo:** Convict Cichlid has vertical dark stripes that helps them blend into rocky riverbeds and aquatic plants, hiding from threats. - **Digging Dynamo:** Convict Cichlid can dig impressive pits because of their strong mouths, creating secure nests and shelters. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 8-15 cm - **Weight:** 0.05-0.1 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-8 years - **Swim Speed:** 8 km/h - **Maximum Depth:** 5 m - **Water Type:** Freshwater ## Diet & Feeding These adaptable fish eat almost anything, from tiny insects and worms to algae and plant matter. - **Primary Foods:** insect larvae, small crustaceans, algae, detritus, plant matter - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Tropical Gar (*Atractosteus tropicus*) — A large predatory fish in Central American waters. - **Eats:** Bloodworm (*Chironomus plumosus*) — Feeds on these common aquatic insect larvae. - **Eats:** Water Flea (*Daphnia pulex*) — Consumes these tiny crustaceans as a food source. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. ## Collections - [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fish) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Convict Cichlid? Look at body shape, where the fins sit and their outline, mouth position, stripes and spots. Young fish and breeding adults can wear different patterns, and aquarium color varieties can look nothing like wild fish. Fish Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Convict Cichlid? 8-15 cm ### How much does Convict Cichlid weigh? 0.05-0.1 kg ### How long does Convict Cichlid live? 5-8 years ### What does Convict Cichlid eat? These adaptable fish eat almost anything, from tiny insects and worms to algae and plant matter. ### How fast can Convict Cichlid swim? 8 km/h ### How does Convict Cichlid hunt? Foraging ### How deep can Convict Cichlid go? 5 m ## Where to spot - [Harry P. Leu Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/harry-p-leu-gardens) — Florida, US · Botanical Garden - [Mormon Row Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mormon-row-historic-district) — Wyoming, US · Historic District - [Hunter Hereford Ranch Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/hunter-hereford-ranch-historic-district) — Wyoming, US · Historic District [View all places to see Convict Cichlid](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/convict-cichlid) ## More Fish - [Rainbow Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rainbow-trout) (*Oncorhynchus mykiss*) - [Brown Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-trout) (*Salmo trutta*) - [Brook Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brook-trout) (*Salvelinus fontinalis*) - [Lake Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lake-trout) (*Salvelinus namaycush*) --- Source: [Convict Cichlid: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/convict-cichlid)