Convict Cichlid

Convict Cichlid (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus)

Photo courtesy of DAR

Description:

  • Small, freshwater fish that grow to 12 cm, with males attaining a larger size than females (CABI, 2021)
  • Sides have black and white vertical stripes (CABI, 2021)

Habitat:

  • Typically found in streams and rivers (CABI, 2021)
  • Prefers rocky habitats and inhabits cracks and crevices (CABI, 2021)

Impacts & Concern:

  • Outcompeting native fish species, resulting in their decline (Nico et al., 2021)
  • In Hawaiʻi, currently considered established in the wild (CABI, 2021)

Introduction:

  • Introduced to Hawaiʻi through aquarium release from South America in 1983 (CABI, 2021)

Distribution in Hawaii (Nico et al., 2021):

Reported distribution of Archocentrus nigrofasciatus in the Main Hawaiian Islands

  • Kauai: Present
  • Oʻahu: Present
  • Molokai: Not documented
  • Lanai: Not documented
  • Maui: Not documented
  • Big Island: Not documented

References:

  • Nico, L., Fuller, P., & Neilson, M. (2021). Convict Cichlid (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus) – Species Profile. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=447. 
  • CABI. (2021). Amatitlania nigrofasciata. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/112202