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Convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata)
Photo: S. Olkowicz - User Hippocampus on pl.wikipedia · CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons

Convict cichlid

Amatitlania nigrofasciata · Cichlidae

Also known as Zebra cichlid

Beginner

Indestructible Central American cichlid that breeds constantly and bullies everything.

Minimum tank
150 L
Temperature
22–29 °C
pH
6.5–8.5
Adult size
13 cm
Group size
1+
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Care requirements
Minimum tank volume
150 L
Temperature
22–29 °C
pH
6.5–8.5
Hardness
8–25 dGH
Lifespan
8–10 years
Diet
Omnivore — pellets, frozen foods, vegetable matter.
Care level
Beginner
Origin & habitat
Native region
Central America (Guatemala to Costa Rica)
Water type
Freshwater
Biotope
Rocky streams and lakes
Natural conditions
Hard, alkaline, warm water with rock cover.
Behaviour & stocking
Temperament
Aggressive
Minimum group
1 fish
Swims
All levels
Good tank mates
Firemouth cichlid
Common pleco
Larger robust cichlids
Avoid
Community fish
Shrimp
Anything smaller than itself
Breeding & difficulty
Breeding difficulty
Beginner
Sexing
Females show orange flanks; males are larger with pointed fins.
Notes
Spawns in caves every few weeks; pairs will kill tank mates to defend fry.
Common ailments
Injuries from fighting
Ich

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