Edit Amatitlania nigrofasciata
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Name
Scientific name
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Described by
Authority Günther, Year 1867
Family
Cichlidae
Summary
The convict cichlid, Amatitlania nigrofasciata, is a Central American cichlid native from Guatemala to Panama. One of the most ubiquitous f…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
150mm, standard length
Tank size
Not recorded
Water
Temperature and pH
Temperature 24–28°C, pH 6–8
Hardness
5–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Territorial
Social needs
A pair
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama
Supporting text
Etymology
Amatitlania: named for Lake Amatitlán, Guatemala, the type locality of type species A. nigrofasciata, in combination with the Latin suffix -ia, meaning 'of, be…
Distribution
Has a widespread distribution in Central America, being native to Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. It also exists as an intr…
Habitat
Unsurprisingly, given its massive natural range, it is found in a wide variety of environments from flowing waters of rivers to ponds and lakes. It is almost n…
Aquarium size
Base dimensions of 90 cm x 30 cm or equivalent are adequate for a single pair, although we've seen it being bred in smaller tanks. If you want to keep multiple…
Maintenance
Use rocks, bogwood and roots to provide plenty of hiding places and potential spawning sites for the fish. You may also wish to provide additional caves in the…
Water conditions
Temperature: Tolerant of a fairly wide temperature range but a value of 24 – 28 °C75 – 82 °F is recommended for long-term aquarium care. pH: 6.0 – 8.0. Somwher…
Diet
Very unfussy and will accept most foods offered. Try to keep the diet varied for the fish to develop the best condition.
Behaviour and compatibility
Simply put, not a good community fish. Unfortunately it's often sold as such. Although a great beginners species in many ways, it is best maintained in a speci…
Sexual dimorphism
Males tend to grow larger than females and grow pointed dorsal and anal fins as they mature. Some specimens also develop a nuchal hump. Females have a characte…
Reproduction
One of the most easily-bred species in the hobby, it's ideal for the newcomer to cichlids and fish breeding in general. Pairing is often as easy as dropping a …
Notes
A hugely popular and very adaptable species, the convict is one of the most ubiquitous fish in the hobby. It is often referred to by synonyms such as Cryptoher…
References
References
No references