Convict Cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Minimum Tank
30 Gallons
Adult Size
6 inches
Temperature
74-82°F (23-28°C)
pH Range
6.5-8.0
Lifespan
10 years
About Convict Cichlid
The convict cichlid is a tough, prolific breeder from the lakes and streams of Central America, ranging from Guatemala to Costa Rica. Its common name comes from the bold black vertical bars on a gray body that suggest prison stripes. Convicts are among the easiest cichlids to breed, forming devoted pairs that aggressively defend their territory and offspring against all comers, regardless of size difference. Both parents participate in brood care, and fry can often be seen following their parents around the tank in a tight cloud. Convict cichlids are hardy, adaptable, and full of personality, but their aggressive breeding behavior and territorial nature require careful tankmate selection.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 30-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 8.0
- • Category: Cichlid
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Convict cichlids can be kept in a 30-gallon tank for a single pair, but larger is better when they start breeding, as they become extremely aggressive toward all other fish. Provide caves and rocky territories with a sand or fine gravel substrate. They thrive across a wide range of conditions from 72-82°F and pH 6.5-8.0. Convicts are omnivorous and accept virtually any food, including pellets, flakes, frozen foods, and vegetables. Be prepared for them to breed frequently and prolifically. If you do not want constant breeding, keep a single fish or same-sex group. Their aggression during breeding should not be underestimated, even toward much larger tankmates.
Quick Facts
114L
Min Tank (30gal)
15cm
Adult Size (6")
10yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
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Find compatible tankmates for your Convict Cichlid
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Tank Mates for Convict Cichlid
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Electric Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher var.
easy · 30+ gal
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
easy · 20+ gal
Paradise Fish
Macropodus opercularis
easy · 20+ gal
Blue Gourami
Trichopodus trichopterus
easy · 30+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Convict Cichlid need?
A Convict Cichlid needs a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (114 litres).
What water parameters does a Convict Cichlid need?
Convict Cichlid thrive in water between 74-82°F (23-28°C) with a pH of 6.5-8.0.
Are Convict Cichlid easy to care for?
Convict Cichlid are considered easy to care for. They are aggressive fish with a lifespan of about 10 years.
How big do Convict Cichlid get and what do they eat?
Convict Cichlid reach about 6 inches and are omnivores. Convict cichlids can be kept in a 30-gallon tank for a single pair, but larger is better when they start breeding, as they become extremely aggressive toward all other fish. Provide caves and rocky territories with a sand or fine gravel substrate. They thrive across a wide range of conditions from 72-82°F and pH 6.5-8.0. Convicts are omnivorous and accept virtually any food, including pellets, flakes, frozen foods, and vegetables. Be prepared for them to breed frequently and prolifically. If you do not want constant breeding, keep a single fish or same-sex group. Their aggression during breeding should not be underestimated, even toward much larger tankmates.