Convict Cichlid

Amatitlania nigrofasciata

Minimum Tank Size

30 gal for a pair; larger for communities

Temperature

74–82°F

PH

6.5–8.0

Adult Size

4–6 in

Temperament 

Aggressive and highly territorial when breeding

Care Difficulty

Beginner–Intermediate

Diet & Feeding

Omnivore; quality cichlid pellets plus vegetables and frozen/live foods.

Care Instructions

Plan around strong territorial behavior, especially during spawning.

Flow & Filtration

Strong filtration and moderate flow.

Planted Tank Suitability

Possible with hardy plants; digging may uproot them.

Tank Mate Compatibility

Good Tank Mates
  • Robust Similar-sized Cichlids in Large Tanks

Use Caution 
  • Large Pleco
  • Other Central American Cichlids

Avoid
  • Guppy
  • Tetras
  • Betta
  • Shrimp

Compatibility Notes

Breeding pairs can dominate a tank; community mixing requires substantial space and robust tank mates.

Breeding Notes

Very prolific cave/substrate spawner with strong parental care.