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Convict Cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae
📍 Central America, Honduras to Panama
Black-and-white barred cichlid named for its prison uniform. Extraordinarily hardy and easy to breed — almost too easy. Fierce parents that will defend fry against much larger fish.
Care Guide
Diet
Convict cichlids are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia 2-3 times weekly. They will also consume vegetable matter and algae wafers. Feed once daily in amounts they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Convict cichlids are highly aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding. They are active swimmers that patrol all tank levels and will harass or attack smaller fish and invertebrates. Pairs form strong bonds and become extremely defensive of their fry, attacking fish many times their size.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is extraordinarily easy—almost inevitable in established pairs. They require minimal conditions: a cave or PVC pipe for spawning, stable water parameters, and adequate food. Pairs will spawn regularly and fiercely guard fry for several weeks, making them unsuitable tankmates during this period.
Tank Mates
Similar aggression and size; may work in larger tanks but territorial conflicts likely
Comparable aggression; requires 55+ gallon tank to minimize conflict
Nocturnal algae eater that avoids confrontation; provides tank cleaning
Small, peaceful bottom-dweller that occupies different niche
Fast schooling fish that may evade aggression but still at risk during breeding
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces
Raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use ich medication (malachite green or formalin) per label instructions
Fin Rot
Frayed or disintegrating fins, white or black edges on fins
Improve water quality with frequent changes, remove sharp decorations, treat with antibacterial medication if severe
Hole-in-the-Head (Hexamita)
Pits or holes in head and lateral line, loss of appetite, lethargy
Perform large water changes, improve diet with quality foods and vitamin supplements, use metronidazole if severe
Bacterial Infection
Redness, swelling, open sores, torn fins, cloudy eyes
Maintain excellent water quality, perform daily 25% water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 6.0–8.0
- diet
- omnivore
- maxSize
- 5 inches
- minTankSize
- 30 gallons
- temperature
- 68–86°F (20–30°C)
Temperature
68–86°F
20–30°C