Convict cichlid

Zebra cichlid ( Amatitlania nigrofasciata )

The zebra cichlid ( Amatitlania nigrofasciata; Syn Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum, Cryptoheros nigrofasciatum ), also known under the name of Green Fins cichlid, is a freshwater ornamental fish from the family of cichlids ( Cichlidae ). It is found in northern Central America.

Features

Male zebra cichlids are up to 15 cm long, the females remain slightly smaller, about 10 cm. Males also have longer extended fins and a handsome face hump in later years.

Occurrence

The zebra cichlid lives in rivers and streams in Central America. To the west of Central America, it comes from the Río Sucio in El Salvador to Rio Suchiate in Guatemala before. In the East it is used in Guatemala by the Río Patuca in Honduras to Rio Jutiapa. In the southern Central American countries such as Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, the distribution could not be demonstrated.

The cichlid preferred rocky ground, where he finds shelter under rocks and small cavities or he hides among roots and plants. In large rivers it is found in shallow, slow-flowing sites. The water temperatures are there for 20 to 35 ° C.

Way of life

The animals are caves and open breeder which operate parental care, guarding their eggs and hatchlings. A compatible pair zebra cichlid broods up to once a month. The Zebra Cichlid is territorial forming.

In nature, crustaceans, worms, insect larvae, small fish and plants form his food.

Attitude

The offspring of Zebra Stained Barschs in the aquarium is easy. During incubation show zebra cichlids any practice which is said to have cichlids, they are very aggressive, strong digging in the ground, tear interfering plants, and care dearly for their offspring. These must be taken into account when setting up the aquarium as well as in the selection of decoration and roommates. The fry can be easily reared on brine shrimp.