Convict Cichlid

Amatitlania nigrofasciata

Convict Cichlid is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.

Aggressive and territorial, especially during breedingBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate

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Need help with Convict Cichlid?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
Aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–25 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Convict Cichlid needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Plant safe: No

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Convict Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid Taeniacara candidi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 2.5" (≤ 6.4 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma eunotus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 73–84°F (23–29°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C)

FAQ

How large does Convict Cichlid get?

Convict Cichlid reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).

What aquarium size does Convict Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Convict Cichlid peaceful?

Convict Cichlid needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Convict Cichlid?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.