Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Easy care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameAmatitlania nigrofasciata

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asConvict, Zebra Cichlid, Black Convict, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus

Care levelEasy

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

Dietomnivore

Adult size5 in

Minimum tank size30 gallons

Water parametersTemp 72-82°F, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 8-20 dGH

Appearance

Pale grey-blue body with bold black vertical bars (the 'convict' stripes); pink/leucistic forms also common.

Difficulty and care for the Convict Cichlid

Easy

Origin and habitat

Central America (Pacific and Atlantic slopes)

Keeper notes

Small but extremely territorial and prolific; a bonded pair will dominate a tank when breeding. Tough beginner cichlid but not community-safe.

Log Convict Cichlid in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Convict Cichlid alongside everything else in your reef.

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