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Convict Cichlid

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Amatitlania nigrofasciata

Complete Convict Cichlid care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, aggressive temperament, minimum 30 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Advanced.

Convict Cichlid

Quick Answer

Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 30 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. As a omnivore with aggressive tendencies, careful tankmate selection is essential.

Intro

Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their aggressive nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the middle levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

Convict Cichlid requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 30 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 22-26°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 6.5 - 7.5 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a omnivore, the Convict Cichlid is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

Convict Cichlid has a aggressive temperament. They are compatible with other fish of similar sizes and temperaments. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: neon tetra, guppy, corydoras, african cichlid.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Butterflyfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet semanticSimilarity African Cichlid Care Guide: Tank Size & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity Bala Shark Care Guide: Tank Size & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Convict Cichlids should be kept together?
Keep as a single individual or a confirmed male-female pair in a tank of at least 30 gallons (113 liters) with a footprint of 30x12 inches (75x30 cm). Convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) breed prolifically; a nesting pair will violently claim the entire tank, attacking any other fish regardless of size. Two males in under 55 gallons (208 liters) fight to severe injury. For a single fish, 20 gallons (75 liters) is sufficient. Provide multiple caves (clay pots, rock piles) and robust plants (Java fern, Anubias) as they dig. Avoid community tanks with peaceful fish.
What are the exact water parameters for Convict Cichlids?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 5 - 15 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 4 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 150 - 400 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 300 - 800 μS/cm, and temperature 72°F - 80°F (22°C - 27°C). They are extremely resilient and adaptable to varied tap water. Maintain nitrates below 25 ppm with weekly 30% water changes. Use a canister filter (8x turnover) to handle waste. Provide sand or gravel substrate; they dig and rearrange. Avoid pH crashes below 6.0. Hardness above 20 dGH reduces breeding frequency.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Convict Cichlids?
They are hardy omnivores requiring 40% protein, 10% fat, 50% plant matter. Feed cichlid flakes, sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and blanched vegetables daily. They accept most commercial foods. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) and formalin well. Praziquantel is safe. Salt baths up to 10 ppt for short periods treat external parasites. Quarantine with metronidazole for 10 days. They are resistant to most diseases but can carry hexamita; treat with metronidazole in food (5 mg/g).
How to breed Convict Cichlids with step-by-step triggers?
Condition a bonded pair with live blackworms and bloodworms for 1 week. No special triggers needed; they breed readily. Raise temperature to 78°F (25.5°C) and perform 30% water change. Provide a flowerpot or cave (3-4 inch opening). The pair cleans the site; female lays 100-300 eggs on the roof. Both parents guard fiercely. Eggs hatch in 72 hours at 78°F (25.5°C). Fry become free-swimming in 5-7 days. Feed crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, and microworms. Remove parents if breeding repeatedly; they can spawn every 2-3 weeks.

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