Tem uma foto? Identifique peixes instantaneamente com o app Fishby.
Abrir o appDescrição
Amatitlania nigrofasciata, commonly known as the Zebra Cichlid or Convict Cichlid, is a small, robust cichlid native to Central America. It is renowned for its distinctive black vertical bars on a greyish-blue body, its aggressive yet fascinating parental care, and its adaptability, making it a popular species in the aquarium trade. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males typically larger and possessing more pointed dorsal and anal fins, while females often display an orange or gold patch on their dorsal fin and flanks, particularly during breeding.
Características físicas
- Formato do corpo
- compressed
- Coloração
- The base body color ranges from light grey to bluish-grey, overlaid with 8-9 prominent vertical black bars extending from the dorsal fin to the ventral side. Males often have a more subdued coloration, while breeding females exhibit more intense black bars and a distinct orange or golden patch on the dorsal fin and sometimes on the flanks. Fins are typically translucent with some dark markings.
- Tipo de escama
- ctenoid
- Posição da boca
- terminal
- Características distintivas
- 8-9 prominent vertical black bars on the body, Sexual dimorphism: males larger with pointed fins, females with orange/gold dorsal patch, Robust, somewhat elongated body shape, Protruding lips
- Nadadeira dorsal
- Long, continuous dorsal fin with 16-18 spines and 8-10 soft rays. Males' dorsal fins are more pointed.
- Nadadeira caudal
- Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.
- Nadadeira peitoral
- Small, rounded pectoral fins.
- Nadadeiras características
- Anal fin with 7-9 spines and 6-8 soft rays, more pointed in males. Pelvic fins are small and pointed.
Dicas de identificação
Body Pattern
Look for the characteristic 8-9 distinct vertical black bars on a greyish-blue body. This is the most reliable visual identifier.
Sexual Dimorphism
Observe the size and fin shape. Males are generally larger (up to 15 cm TL) with more elongated, pointed dorsal and anal fins. Females are smaller (up to 10 cm TL) and often display a vibrant orange or golden patch on their dorsal fin and sometimes on their flanks, especially when breeding.
Behavior
Their highly territorial and aggressive nature, particularly during breeding, is a strong behavioral indicator. They are also known for their diligent parental care.
Habitat
- Tipo de água
- freshwater
- Profundidade
- Typically found in shallow to moderate depths, often near the banks.
- Ambiente
- Inhabits rivers, streams, and lakes, preferring areas with rocky substrates, submerged wood, and dense vegetation for cover. They are often found in areas with moderate to strong currents. They are highly adaptable and can tolerate a range of water conditions.
- Distribuição geográfica
- Native to Central America, specifically from Guatemala to Panama, on both Atlantic and Pacific slopes. Introduced populations exist in various parts of the world due to aquarium releases.
Informações sobre aquário
- Nível de cuidado: beginner
- Temperamento: aggressive
- Alimentação: omnivore
- Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 75 liters (20 gallons) for a pair, larger for community tanks
- Temperatura: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- Nível de pH: 6.5-8.0
- Dureza da água: 5-20 dGH
- Compatibilidade: Best kept as a single pair in a species-specific tank or with other robust, similarly sized cichlids or fast-moving, durable fish in a very large aquarium. Avoid small, docile, or long-finned tank mates.
- Requisitos especiais: Requires ample hiding places (caves, rockwork, driftwood) and open swimming areas. Substrate should be sand or fine gravel. They are prolific diggers, so plants should be robust and potted or avoided. Excellent filtration is essential due to their messy eating habits and territorial nature. Provide flat surfaces for spawning.
Informações no ambiente natural
- Estado de conservação: least concern
- Sazonalidade: Breeds year-round in suitable conditions, with increased activity during warmer, rainy seasons in their natural habitat.
- Preço de mercado: Low (due to ease of breeding)
- Importância comercial: medium
- Sabor: Not typically consumed
- Textura: Not typically consumed
- Valor nutricional: Not typically consumed
Fatos principais
Parental Care Championsbehavior
Amatitlania nigrofasciata is famous for its exceptional biparental care. Both male and female vigorously defend their eggs and fry, often moving them to different locations for safety and fanning them to ensure oxygenation. This strong parental instinct makes them a fascinating subject for behavioral studies.
Taxonomic Journeyevolution
This species has undergone several taxonomic reclassifications. It was originally described as Heros nigrofasciatus, then moved to Cichlasoma, Archocentrus, and finally to its current genus, Amatitlania. This reflects ongoing scientific efforts to accurately classify cichlid diversity.
Prolific Breedersinteresting
Convict Cichlids are incredibly easy to breed in captivity, often spawning every few weeks if conditions are favorable. This prolific breeding, combined with their hardiness, contributes to their widespread availability in the aquarium hobby.
Color Morphsinteresting
Beyond the wild type, several color morphs have been selectively bred in captivity, including albino, pink, and marbled varieties. These captive-bred forms retain the characteristic barred pattern but with altered base coloration.
Informações de segurança
Manusear com cuidado- Nível de segurança: caution
- Venenoso: Não
- Comestibilidade: not recommended
- Observações de manuseio: While not venomous, Amatitlania nigrofasciata can deliver a painful bite if handled carelessly, especially larger specimens or breeding adults. Their sharp teeth are designed for scraping algae and small invertebrates. Exercise caution when netting or handling to avoid bites and minimize stress to the fish. They are highly territorial and can be aggressive towards other fish and even their keepers during spawning.
Espécies similares
Blue Convict Cichlid
Amatitlania siquia
While very similar in appearance and often confused, A. siquia typically has a more bluish hue and may exhibit slightly different bar patterns. Genetic analysis is often required for definitive differentiation, though A. nigrofasciata generally has more pronounced black bars.
Honduran Red Point Cichlid
Amatitlania sp. 'Honduran Red Point'
This is a geographical variant or closely related species. It shares the barred pattern but often has distinct red or orange coloration on the fins and body, particularly around the operculum and fin edges, which is less prominent or absent in typical A. nigrofasciata.
Classificação científica
- Reino
- Animalia
- Filo
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordem
- Cichliformes
- Família
- Cichlidae
- Gênero
- Amatitlania
- Espécie
- nigrofasciata
Explore Zebra Cichlid
Identifique peixes em qualquer lugar
Grátis para iOS, Android e web. Identificação por foto, detalhes completos das espécies e muito mais.