Our Guide To Keeping Convict Cichlid Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Amatitlania nigrofasciata
   • Common name: Convict Cichlid
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Central America, from Costa Rica to Panama
   • Adult length: 10 cm (4 inches)
   • Lifespan: 8 to 10 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Convict Cichlids can thrive in tanks as small as 20 gallons, but a larger tank is recommended for a breeding pair or community setup.
   • Provide plenty of hiding spots with rocks, caves, and driftwood. They appreciate a well-decorated tank with plants, but they may uproot them, so choose hardy plants like Java Fern and Anubias.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Convict Cichlids prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH range between 6.5 to 8.0.
   • Maintain the water temperature between 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Efficient filtration is essential to maintain water quality, but avoid strong currents as Convict Cichlids prefer calmer waters.

5. Diet:

   • Convict Cichlids are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods including high-quality pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small insects.
   • Offer a varied diet to ensure they receive proper nutrition and supplement with occasional vegetable matter.

6. Tank mates:

   • Convict Cichlids can be aggressive, especially when breeding, so choose tank mates carefully. Avoid keeping them with slow-moving or long-finned fish.
   • Compatible tank mates include other semi-aggressive fish of similar size and temperament, such as other Central American cichlids or robust catfish species.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Convict Cichlids are known for their territorial behavior, especially during breeding. Provide adequate hiding spots and territories to reduce aggression.
   • They are generally not suitable for community tanks with passive or smaller fish, as they may harass them.