Convict Cichlid

Convict Cichlid key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

8-12 years

Size

10-15cm

Temperature

24〜28℃

Diet

Prepared foods, frozen bloodworm, frozen brine shrimp

Tank

Base dimensions of about 90 x 30cm are adequate for a single pair. Provide caves or rockwork as spawning sites and refuges.

Water Temperature & Quality

24-28C, pH 6.0-8.0, 5-25 dGH. It tolerates a broad range of water chemistry.

Tank Mates

Strongly territorial, attacking regardless of size difference when breeding. A species-only tank is the norm.

Diet & Feeding

Very unfussy. Base the diet on prepared foods and add frozen items to keep it varied.

Breeding & Spawning

One of the most easily bred species in the hobby. Up to 300 eggs hatch in three to four days, with fry free-swimming four to seven days later.

Health & Notes

Line up homes for the fry before breeding, as numbers build fast. It digs, so anchor any plants.

About Convict Cichlid

A small Central American cichlid with bold black stripes on a pale gray body. Hardy and easy to breed, but territorial — best kept alone. A beginner-friendly species.

7 things to know before welcoming a Convict Cichlid

1. 1Best Kept Alone

   Convict Cichlids are highly territorial and may relentlessly chase tankmates. Aggression intensifies during breeding, so plan for a single-species or pair setup rather than a community tank.

2. 2Hardy and Adaptable

   This species tolerates a range of water conditions and is manageable even for beginners. Still, adequate filtration and regular water changes remain essential for keeping fish healthy long-term.

3. 3Plan for Adult Size

   Adults reach around 10-15cm in length. Don't size the tank based on their juvenile appearance alone — make sure there's enough room for them to swim comfortably once fully grown.

4. 4Active Breeding Behavior

   Once paired, they breed readily and attentively guard their eggs and fry, offering an interesting glimpse into cichlid parenting. If you'd rather avoid breeding, be mindful of how you combine sexes and set up the tank.

5. 5Hiding Spots and Layout

   Providing shelters such as clay pots or rock formations gives them a territorial base and helps them settle in. Keep in mind they may dig and rearrange substrate, so build a layout that stays stable even when disturbed.

6. 6Telling Males from Females

   During breeding, females develop a distinctive orange belly, making it relatively easy to tell the sexes apart. Outside of breeding, both display the same striped gray-white coloration.

7. 7Preparing Before You Bring One Home

   Given their territorial nature, it's important to have a dedicated tank and hiding spots ready before bringing one home. If you're considering tankmates, plan carefully with their temperament in mind.

Frequently asked questions about Convict Cichlid

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?

A.Because of their strong territorial instincts and aggression, community tanks aren't recommended. They can relentlessly attack tankmates, especially during breeding, so keeping them alone is the standard approach.

Q.Is it suitable for beginners?

A.Yes, it's considered beginner-friendly thanks to its hardiness and tolerance for varying water conditions. That said, you'll need to plan around its strong aggression.

Q.How big does it get?

A.Adults typically reach about 10-15cm. It's a good idea to plan tank size around their adult length from the start.

Q.Is it easy to breed?

A.Yes, it's hardy and breeds readily once a pair forms, laying eggs without much difficulty. You can also observe the parents attentively guarding their eggs and fry.

Q.Are there any legal restrictions on keeping this fish?

A.The Convict Cichlid is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Convict Cichlid care

Learn more about Convict Cichlid in the encyclopedia

More in this category