Overview
- The Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is a hardy Central American cichlid with bold black bars. It is one of the most familiar cichlids in the hobby.
- Native to Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
- Grows to about 6 in (15 cm) standard length.
- Easy to keep and breed, but aggressive.
Feeding
- Very unfussy. Accepts most foods.
- Keep the diet varied for the best condition.
Habitat
- Rocks, bogwood and roots for hiding places and spawning sites, plus clay pots laid on their side.
- Plants may be uprooted, since convicts dig.
- Water: 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.0–8.0, GH 5–25.
Fish Care
- Very hardy and adaptable.
- [UNVERIFIED] Plan for at least a 30-gallon (114-liter) tank for a pair. Seriously Fish gives no minimum size.
Compatibility
- Not a community fish, even though it is often sold as one.
- Best in a species tank. In a very large tank it can live with robust Central American cichlids.
Aquarium Behavior
- Aggressive and territorial, and violent when breeding.
- Will take on fish several times its size.
Breeding
- One of the easiest fish to breed.
- Often a male and female placed together will pair. Otherwise raise a group of juveniles together.
- Be ready to move extra fish once a pair forms. The male won’t tolerate others in his territory.