Bring bold personality and striking patterns to your aquarium with the Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) - a hardy, easy-to-care-for freshwater fish perfect for hobbyists who love active and intelligent species. Known for their signature black vertical stripes and fearless attitude, Convict Cichlids are a favorite among cichlid keepers for their vibrant behavior and breeding ease. These fish are extremely hardy, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced aquarists. Males grow up to 6 inches, while females reach around 4.5 inches, often showing a blush of orange on their bellies. They thrive in tanks with rocks, caves, and open swimming space, and do best with robust tank mates or in a species-only setup due to their territorial nature, especially during breeding. Whether you're looking to start a breeding project or simply want an interactive fish that recognizes its owner, the Convict Cichlid is a rewarding choice. Available in classic striped, albino, or pink varieties, they add bold energy and contrast to any freshwater setup. At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Convict Cichlids for sale and other Cichlid Fish for sale are tank-bred, grown, and sold with love and care. Visit our fish store online or aquarium in Virginia for more high-quality freshwater fish for sale. We have a lot more fish available, such as betta fish for sale, aquatic plants for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, freshwater snails for sale, and other aquarium supplies. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS FISH: Big Personality in a Small Package: Convict Cichlids are feisty, intelligent, and interactive. They often recognize their owners and will come up to the glass during feeding or tank visits. Their bold behavior makes them fun to watch and rewarding to keep. Super Easy Breeding: Once paired, they will clean a spawning site, lay eggs, and guard their fry fiercely. You can expect to see strong parental care and lots of baby fish. Territorial and Aggressive Behavior: Convicts are territorial, especially during breeding. You should expect them to chase or nip at tank mates if space is limited. It’s best to keep them in a species-only tank or with other tough, semi-aggressive cichlids. Strong and Hardy Fish: They tolerate a wide range of water conditions and are very forgiving of minor mistakes, making them perfect for intermediate-level hobbyists or beginners who want to learn about cichlid care. Striking Appearance: With their bold black stripes and color variants like pink or albino, Convict Cichlids add a strong visual contrast to your tank. RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS: Temperature: 74 - 82°F (23 - 28°C) pH Range: 6.5 - 8.0 Hardness: 6 - 20 dGH (moderately soft to hard) Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum for a pair. Go larger (40 - 55+ gallons) if keeping multiple or breeding pairs. Lighting: Moderate Filtration: Strong filtration with good water flow. Convicts are messy eaters; use a reliable filter to keep water clean. CARE GUIDELINES: Diet: Convict Cichlids are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and protein-based foods. For the best health and coloration, give them a varied diet. Some recommended foods Include High-Quality fish flakes or pellets, Blanched vegetables, and Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. Feeding habits: Feed them 1 - 2 times a day, offering only what they can finish in about 2 - 3 minutes. They’re eager eaters and may rush to the surface at feeding time. Social behavior: Convict Cichlids are territorial and semi-aggressive, especially during breeding. Best kept as a bonded pair in a tank with space and hiding spots. Origin: Native to Central America, especially in Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Average adult size: Males: Up to 6 inches (15 cm), often with longer fins and more aggressive behavior Females: Up to 4.5 inches (11 cm), usually rounder and smaller, with a distinct orange patch on the belly, especially when breeding Convict Cichlids Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Are Convict Cichlids aggressive? Yes, Convict Cichlids are naturally aggressive and territorial. If you plan to keep them with tank mates, choose other similarly sized, semi-aggressive species and provide plenty of hiding spots and space to reduce conflict. How long for Convict Cichlids' eggs to hatch? Convict Cichlid eggs typically hatch within 2 to 3 days after being laid. After hatching, the fry will stay close to the spawning site (often guarded in a cave or under a rock) for a few more days before becoming free-swimming. Parents are usually very attentive and protective, caring for the fry even after hatching. Why are my Convict Cichlids hiding? There are some reasons: Breeding behavior: they may be guarding eggs or fry in a cave or secluded area. Stress: caused by poor water conditions, new tank setup, or aggressive tank mates. Lack of security: without enough hiding spots (rocks, caves), they may feel unsafe and stay out of sight. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Are Convict Cichlids aggressive?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Convict Cichlids are naturally aggressive and territorial. If you plan to keep them with tank mates, choose other similarly sized, semi-aggressive species and provide plenty of hiding spots and space to reduce conflict." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How long for Convict Cichlids' eggs to hatch?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Convict Cichlid eggs typically hatch within 2 to 3 days after being laid. After hatching, the fry will stay close to the spawning site (often guarded in a cave or under a rock) for a few more days before becoming free-swimming. Parents are usually very attentive and protective, caring for the fry even after hatching." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Why are my Convict Cichlids hiding?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There are some reasons: Breeding behavior: they may be guarding eggs or fry in a cave or secluded area. Stress: caused by poor water conditions, new tank setup, or aggressive tank mates. Lack of security: without enough hiding spots (rocks, caves), they may feel unsafe and stay out of sight." } }] }
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