Species profile

Convict Cichlid

Amatitlania nigrofasciata

Common names: Convict Cichlid, Zebra Cichlid, White Convict Cichlid, Zebra Chanchito

Recognized speciesCichlids

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Adult size

Up to 15 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

A keeper who has researched this fish and can match its needs

Think carefully if

You keep shrimp you want to protect

A very common, zebra-striped Central American cichlid. Keep alone or in a small group in 182 litres or more.

Appearance and Identification

A very common, zebra-striped Central American cichlid. It is hardy and very easy to breed, but aggressive and territorial, and it turns violent when spawning.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Males usually grow larger, with longer fins, but sexing can be hard outside breeding.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 730–910 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 175–275 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 182 litres
Minimum tank length: 90 cm
Minimum group size: 2
Recommended group size: 2
Activity level: Moderate
Flow preference: Low to moderate
Planting preference: Moderately planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Moderate

Provide wood, rocks and clear territories, with enough open water for a fish of this size. Strong filtration helps, because cichlids produce a lot of waste.

Behaviour and Tankmates

A characterful fish that interacts with its surroundings and often recognises its keeper.

Often best as a pair, or as a small group in a roomy tank.

Can be territorial, especially when breeding.

Choose tankmates with care, by size and temperament. It may eat much smaller fish, and it can harass peaceful ones when breeding. It is likely to eat shrimp.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 24–28 °C
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–25
Stability importance: Important

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable. Keep the temperature steady.

Parameter caveat

Keep up regular water changes, and acclimatise new fish slowly.

Feeding

Diet types: Omnivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Quality pellets or flakeA good staple. Choose a size that fits its mouth.
Frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimpOffer several times a week for colour and condition.
Algae or vegetable-based foodInclude some plant matter for balance.

Takes good-quality pellets, along with frozen foods for variety.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

Breeding

Breeding type: Cave Spawner
Breeding difficulty: Easy
Parental care: Variable
Baby foods: Newly hatched brine shrimpThe fry can usually take this from the start.
Crushed flakeA simple addition as they grow.

Spawns inside a cave, and one parent guards the eggs and young. Provide a suitable cave for each pair.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Central America, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama
Natural habitat: Lake, Pond, River
Aquarium contexts: Planted Aquarium
Audience level: Intermediate

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Amatitlania
Family: Cichlidae
Species group: Cichlids, Fish

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