Convict cichlid

The convict cichlid is a hardy Central American cichlid of the family Cichlidae, native to the rivers and lakes of Central America. It has a pale grey-blue body crossed by bold black vertical bars, giving it a prison-stripe look; females often show an orange belly patch. It is famously pugnacious for its size, especially when breeding, and will defend a territory against much larger fish. It is best kept singly, as a bonded pair, or with robust tankmates that can hold their own. An undemanding fish, it tolerates a wide range of water conditions and needs rockwork and caves for shelter and spawning sites. It is an omnivore that eats almost anything offered. It breeds very readily, with both parents guarding the eggs and diligently caring for the fry, making it a classic beginner's introduction to cichlid parenting.