Golden dwarf convict
Amatitlania nanolutea
Also known as Cryptoheros nanoluteus, Yellow convict cichlid, Gold convict cichlid
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–84°F (24–29°C)
- pH
- 7.0–8.2
- Adult size
- 3.1 in (8 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 29 gal (110 L)
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- Tankmates with caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Origin
- Guarumo river, Panama
- Family
- Cichlidae
Overview
The smallest convict cichlid and a good choice for keepers who want the behavior without the tank size. A pair in a 110 liter tank will still claim territory, excavate a pit and defend fry with real conviction, but at 8 centimeters the damage they can do is limited. Give them sand, caves and cover. They spawn readily, which is the point. Feed pellets and frozen foods, and expect a lot of fry.
In the wild
Amatitlania nanolutea comes from the Guarumo river in Panama, in slow, weedy creeks running warm and moderately hard. Keep it at 24 to 29 degrees Celsius and pH 7.0 to 8.2, with sand, wood and stone cover.
Good to know
Amatitlania nanolutea reaches about 8 centimeters. The name means small and yellow, which is essentially the entire diagnosis. Like all convicts it is a substrate spawner with intense biparental care, and pairs will hold territory against fish several times their size for as long as fry are in the water.
Did you know
Nano plus luteus: taxonomy at its most honest, small yellow fish, described as exactly that.
Common questions
What size tank does a Golden dwarf convict need?
A Golden dwarf convict needs at least 29 gal (110 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH do Golden dwarf convict need?
Golden dwarf convict are comfortable at 75–84°F (24–29°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.2.
How big do Golden dwarf convict get?
An adult Golden dwarf convict reaches about 3.1 in (8 cm).
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Aquatic Arts Freshwater fish, shrimp and snails with an arrive-alive guarantee
- The Wet Spot Tropical Fish Large selection of quarantined tropical freshwater fish, with live arrival guarantee and Next Day Air flat rate shipping to all US locations
…or ask your local fish store.
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Related species
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Convict Cichlid
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