Convict cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
intermediate careOverview
The convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is the bold, black-barred workhorse of Central American cichlids — cheap, hardy and full of personality. It is also one of the most aggressive fish for its size and breeds so readily that a single pair can overrun a tank with fry. Give it space, sturdy tankmates or a species setup, and it is a fascinating, long-lived fish for a keeper who wants cichlid attitude.
Tank & water
A pair needs at least 150 litres (40 gallons) with a long footprint for territory.
- Temperature: adaptable across 22–28 °C, held with a heater.
- Water: genuinely hardy across pH 6.5–8.0 and a wide hardness range. Test with a kit.
- Hardscape: rocks, caves and driftwood to break sightlines and provide spawning sites.
- Filtration: a strong filter for their appetite, plus routine water changes.
Feeding
Convicts are unfussy omnivores with big appetites. Feed a quality cichlid pellet staple plus frozen or live bloodworm, brine shrimp and some vegetable matter. Feed measured amounts once or twice daily and keep on top of water changes, as they are messy eaters.
Tankmates
The safest option is a species tank or a single pair. If you want tankmates, choose equally robust Central American cichlids of similar size in a large tank, and avoid anything small, slow or long-finned that will be bullied. Do not mix with peaceful community fish. For stocking and aggression management, see how to tell if a tank is overstocked.
Convict cichlid — frequently asked questions
Are convict cichlids aggressive?
Very. Convicts are hardy and easy to keep alive, but they are territorial and pugnacious well beyond their size, especially a breeding pair. They will bully or kill smaller or milder tankmates. Keep them in a species tank or with equally robust cichlids that can hold their own.
How easily do convict cichlids breed?
Extremely easily — they are one of the most prolific aquarium fish. A male and female will pair, spawn and raise fry with almost no encouragement, and will do so repeatedly. Do not keep a mixed pair unless you have a plan for the constant supply of fry.
Are convict cichlids good for beginners?
They are hardy and forgiving of water conditions, which suits a newer keeper, but their aggression makes them a poor community fish. They are best thought of as an easy-to-keep but demanding-to-house cichlid — simple biology, complicated social needs.
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