{"id":3380,"date":"2026-02-16T23:26:42","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T23:26:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/product\/cichlasoma-nigrofasciatum-balloon-convict-cichlid-5cm\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T23:26:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T23:26:42","slug":"cichlasoma-nigrofasciatum-balloon-convict-cichlid-5cm","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/?product=cichlasoma-nigrofasciatum-balloon-convict-cichlid-5cm","title":{"rendered":"Cichlasoma Nigrofasciatum Balloon Convict Cichlid 5cm"},"content":{"rendered":"

Overview:<\/strong>
The Balloon Convict Cichlid<\/strong> is a unique, selectively bred variant of the classic Convict Cichlid, recognized for its short, rounded body shape<\/strong> and bold black vertical stripes<\/strong> over a silvery or bluish background. Despite its compact size and comical appearance, this fish retains the hardiness, intelligence, and lively behavior<\/strong> that makes convict cichlids popular among aquarists.<\/p>\n

Origin:<\/strong>
The balloon morph was developed through selective breeding<\/strong> from wild-type Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum<\/em>, which is native to Central America<\/strong>\u2014particularly rivers in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.<\/p>\n

Feeding:<\/strong>
Omnivorous and very easy to feed. Offer a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets<\/strong>, flake foods<\/strong>, frozen bloodworms<\/strong>, brine shrimp<\/strong>, and occasional vegetable matter<\/strong> like blanched spinach or spirulina flakes.<\/p>\n

Tank Mates:<\/strong>
Semi-aggressive<\/strong> and territorial<\/strong>, especially during breeding. Best kept with other robust Central American cichlids, larger tetras, catfish like Plecos<\/strong> or Synodontis<\/strong>, or in a species-only setup<\/strong>. Avoid slow or delicate fish.<\/p>\n

Water Parameters:<\/strong><\/p>\n