Source: Wikimedia Commons
Convict Cichlid
BeginnerAmatitlania nigrofasciata
A small Central American cichlid banded in black over a greyish-white body, with orange on the belly of females. It is hardy, easy to keep and breeds readily, but turns so aggressive when spawning that it makes a poor community fish.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
24〜28℃
Lifespan
8-12 years
Size
10-15cm
Diet
Prepared foods, frozen bloodworm, frozen brine shrimp
About
Amatitlania nigrofasciata ranges across Central America, on the Pacific slope from El Salvador to Guatemala and on the Atlantic slope from Honduras to Guatemala. The black bars over a greyish-white body suggested prison stripes and gave the fish its English name; females carry orange on the belly. FishBase records a maximum of 10cm SL, while Seriously Fish gives 15cm. Seriously Fish recommends 24-28C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 5-25 dGH, with base dimensions of about 90 x 30cm adequate for a single pair. It adapts to a wide range of water chemistry and is easy to keep, but it is strongly territorial and will attack fish far larger than itself when breeding, so a species tank is the safest arrangement. Breeding is among the easiest in the hobby: a female may lay as many as 300 eggs, which hatch in three to four days, with fry free-swimming a further four to seven days later.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Convict Cichlid
The Convict Cichlid lives 8-12 years.
Size of the Convict Cichlid
The Convict Cichlid grows to 10-15cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Convict Cichlid
The ideal temperature for the Convict Cichlid is 24〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Central America: Pacific slope (El Salvador to Guatemala) and Atlantic slope (Honduras to Guatemala)
Lifespan
8-12 years
Care Specifications
- pH
- 6–8
- Hardness (GH)
- 5–25 dGH
- Water Temp.
- 24–28℃
AggressivePairBreeding: Easy
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Amatitlania nigrofasciata Günther, 1867
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN DD · Data Deficient
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: DD, 2019)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Convict Cichlid Listings
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