How can I tell the difference between a male and female Convict Cichlid?

Females are generally smaller and display a distinct, bright orange or coppery patch on their lower belly, especially when ready to breed. Males grow larger, have more pointed dorsal and anal fins, a steeper forehead, and lack the orange belly colouration.

Why are my Convict Cichlids moving all the gravel around?

Convicts are natural earth-movers. They dig extensively to construct nests, establish territorial boundaries, and create secure pits for their fry. This is perfectly normal behaviour, which is why rocks should always rest securely on the tank bottom to prevent toppling.

Can I keep a single Convict Cichlid in a community tank?

Yes, a solitary Convict Cichlid is generally much less aggressive than a bonded pair. However, it still requires robust, fast-moving, or similarly sized tankmates, as it remains a territorial cichlid by nature.

What size tank do I need for a pair of Convict Cichlids?

A bonded pair needs an absolute minimum of 100 litres. However, if you plan to keep them with any other fish, you will need a much larger aquarium (250+ litres) to provide enough space for other inhabitants to escape the pair's intense breeding aggression.

Will Convict Cichlids eat my plants?

They don't usually eat plants, but their relentless digging will uproot almost anything planted in the substrate. If you want greenery, use tough plants attached directly to rocks or driftwood, such as Anubias or Java Fern.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Convict Cichlid

Amatitlania nigrofasciata

The Convict Cichlid is an incredibly hardy and charismatic Central American species, famously known for its striking prison-suit stripes and fiercely devoted parenting.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 6.5 – 8
Hardness: 8 – 20 dGH
Adult size: 10 – 15 cm
100L for a single pair, 250L+ for a mixed community: 100 litres+
Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Sand or fine gravel substrate, extensive rockwork creating sturdy caves, and robust driftwood.

About the Convict Cichlid

Boasting a reputation as one of the aquarium hobby's most resilient fish, the Convict Cichlid (*Amatitlania nigrofasciata*) is an iconic Central American species. Their moniker derives from the bold, vertical black stripes that adorn their greyish-blue bodies, reminiscent of historic prison uniforms. While their robust nature makes them physically undemanding, their explosive temperament requires careful planning. They are exceptionally rewarding to observe, offering fishkeepers a front-row seat to some of the most dynamic and complex cichlid behaviours available in the home aquarium.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Convict Cichlid against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Convict Cichlid comes from

Native range

Central America

Countries / regions

Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama

Habitat

Rivers, fast-flowing streams, and lake margins featuring rocky shorelines, submerged wood, and ample hiding places.

Widely introduced globally, with feral populations established in the USA, Australia, and parts of Asia due to aquarium releases.

Similar species

Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
Sajica Cichlid
Amatitlania sajica
Honduran Red Point
Amatitlania siquia

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
Similarly sized, robust Central American cichlid that can hold its own territory in a sufficiently large aquarium.
Great
Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
Fast-moving, robust top-dwellers that act as excellent dither fish, largely avoiding the Convict's bottom-tier territory.
Great
Jack Dempsey
Rocio octofasciata
A tough cichlid that can match the Convict's aggression, but both require a very large footprint to coexist without constant territorial battles.
Compatible with caution
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
Peaceful bottom-dwellers that do not understand territorial boundaries and will be severely attacked during the Convict's breeding cycles.
Not recommended
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Too small and docile; they will easily be bullied, stressed, or eaten by adult Convict Cichlids.
Not recommended

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