Convict Cichlid Care Guide
Amatitlania nigrofasciata · Easy care · 30 gallon minimum
A tough, prolific black-barred cichlid with huge personality; aggressive when breeding — house carefully.
Check your stocking with the stocking calculator →
How big does a convict cichlid get?
A convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) reaches about 5.0 inches as an adult. Plan tank size and tank mates around the adult size, not the small fish you buy at the store.
Tank size & setup
Give a convict cichlid a minimum of 30 gallons, with water at 70–82°F and a pH of 6.5–8. As a easy-care, omnivore species, a stable, cycled tank with the right diet keeps them healthiest.
Good tank mates
Pair a convict cichlid with peaceful species that share its temperature and pH range. Compatible options include:
- Choose peaceful fish with overlapping temperature and pH ranges.
About the convict cichlid
The convict cichlid is a fish species from the family Cichlidae, native to Central America, also known as the zebra cichlid. Convict cichlids are popular aquarium fish and have also been the subject of numerous studies on fish behaviour.
Recommended gear for convict cichlids
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.