Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: No

General Description: The Polar Blue Convict Cichlid is not a fish found in nature. It is a man-made hybrid fish produced from breeding a King Kong Parrot Cichlid, another man-made hybrid, with a standard Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata). Much like their parental convict counterparts, the Polar blue convict is a relatively inexpensive, hardy, and unfussy cichlid to keep. This low maintenance however comes at a price, as Polar blue convicts are extremely violent when in breeding behavior. Convicts have been observed to take on fish four times their size in order to defend their territory and/or fry. Because of this, Polar blue convicts are best kept in a “species only” tank or with specific tank mates (see ‘Care Requirements’ below). Polar blue convicts are quite attractive in coloration, with varying shades of metallic blue and bold black markings. Their body shape is very round and compact. Males typically grow larger than females, and their dorsal and anal fins will get more pointed. If interested in breeding, it is best to keep a single male – female pair unless the aquarium can accomodate multiple pairs. If breeding is not of interest, only acquire a single Polar blue convict as these fish are extremely prolific without intervention. An adult Polar blue convict can reach a size of approximately 5″.

Diet Requirements: Polar blue convicts are omnivores and they will accept just about anything. High percentage protein foods should be fed more sparingly given that the digestive tracts of these fish are smaller and not as efficient. Fiber is extremely important to avoid constipation or bloating. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable and protein based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp that contains spirulina algae and other mixed freshwater preparations. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a pair of Polar blue convicts. A larger group of individuals will require more space, or if the pair is already quite large, size up accordingly. Given their hardy nature, Polar blue convicts can endure the initial break-in cycle of a newly set-up aquarium. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard for most large cichlid aquariums (Nitrates < 30 ppm). An extremely adaptable fish, Polar blue convicts can tolerate various water parameters and aquascapes. The aquarium can be decorated with driftwood or other natural looking furnishings to provide some hiding and spawning areas. Polar blue convicts can be kept with other like semi-aggressive Central American species in a very large aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 76-82° F, KH 5-25, pH 6.5-8.0.

Purchase Size: Small: 3/4” to 1”; Medium: 1-1/4” to 2”, Large: 2-1/2” to 3-1/2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.