TankBud

One species · 1 variety

Convict cichlid

Amatitlania nigrofasciata

FreshwaterFish

Convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata)
S. Olkowicz - User Hippocampus on pl.wikipedia · CC BY 2.5

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C
pH
6.5–8.0
Adult size
5.9 in
15 cm
Minimum tank
25 gal
95 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
Substrate spawner · Medium
Rarity
Common
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Central America

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One setup covers every line on this page: care is the species' care.

Overview

The convict cichlid is an aggressive, territorial cichlid for a rocky tank. It is easy to keep.

Did you know

Once a pair of convict cichlids spawns, it can turn the whole tank into a no-go zone while it raises the fry.

Caring for the convict cichlid

Keep a pair of convict cichlids on their own in at least 25 gal (95 L). Set up rocks, caves and flat surfaces, since they claim a territory and dig. Expect some rearranged gravel.

Keep the water at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C), with a pH of 6.5 to 8.0. Convicts are adaptable and tolerate a fairly wide range of conditions. They are easy eaters and take flake, pellet and frozen foods without fuss.

They are aggressive, especially when breeding, and defend a territory hard in the middle and bottom of the tank. If you add tank mates, plan them carefully.

Convicts are substrate spawners and breed readily. Give a male and female a flat rock and they will often spawn on their own. Pairs form a strong bond and guard their eggs and fry closely. Breeding is of medium difficulty.

Good to know

The convict cichlid is a Central American cichlid in the family Cichlidae. It is named for the dark vertical bars running down its pale body.

In the wild

Convict cichlids come from warm streams and lakes across Central America. There they stick close to rocks and crevices they can defend.

From published sources

Tank mates

Each fish here is named as a tank mate for the convict cichlid by at least two published care guides. Seriously Fish, Fishkeeper (Maidenhead Aquatics), Practical Fishkeeping and LiveAquaria recommend keeping it on its own instead. Mixed tanks need 50 to 75 gallons (190 to 285 liters) or more, with caves and visual barriers.

Sources: Aquarium Source, Fishkeeping World, Build Your Aquarium, Aquariadise, Seriously Fish, Practical Fishkeeping, Riverpark Aquatics, The Vet Desk (Animal-World).

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a convict cichlid need?

A convict cichlid needs at least 25 gal (95 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a convict cichlid need?

A convict cichlid is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 6.5–8.0.

What does a convict cichlid eat?

A convict cichlid is an easy eater and takes flake, pellet and frozen foods without fuss.

How big does a convict cichlid get?

An adult convict cichlid reaches about 5.9 in (15 cm).

How does a convict cichlid breed?

Convict cichlids are substrate spawners and breed readily. A male and female given a flat rock will often spawn on their own, and the bonded pair guards its eggs and fry closely.

What fish can live with the convict cichlid?

Published care guides name Jack Dempsey, spotted pimelodus, bristlenose pleco and firemouth cichlid, among others. Mixed tanks need 50 to 75 gallons (190 to 285 liters) or more, with caves and visual barriers.

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