Convict cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciata · Cichlidae
Also known as Zebra cichlid
Beginner
Indestructible Central American cichlid that breeds constantly and bullies everything.
In short: A convict cichlid needs at least 150 L (40 US gal), water at 22–29 °C (72–84 °F) and pH 6.5–8.5. It is aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 150 L (40 US gal)
- Temperature
- 22–29 °C (72–84 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Adult size
- 13 cm (5.1 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 150 L (40 US gal)
- Temperature
- 22–29 °C (72–84 °F)
- 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 cichlidCommon plecoLarger robust cichlids
- Avoid
- Community fishShrimpAnything 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 fightingIch
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