CheckMyFishTankConvict Cichlid care
Amatitlania nigrofasciata · Freshwater · Beginner level care
A hardy, feisty cichlid that breeds easily and defends its cave hard.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish. Cichlid pellets, frozen foods, flakes.
Eats fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Claims a territory and guards it.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Convict Cichlid in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Neon Tetra: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Neon Tetra.
- Cardinal Tetra: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Cardinal Tetra.
- Green Neon Tetra: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Green Neon Tetra.
- Black Neon Tetra: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Black Neon Tetra.
- Ember Tetra: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Ember Tetra.
- Lemon Tetra: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
- Glowlight Tetra: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Glowlight Tetra.
- Black Skirt Tetra: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Black Skirt Tetra.
Questions
What size tank does a Convict Cichlid need?
At least 30 gallons. Adults grow to about 5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Convict Cichlid like?
74 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6.5 to 8. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Convict Cichlid should I keep together?
Keep only one. Convict Cichlid fight their own kind.
What do Convict Cichlid eat?
Cichlid pellets, frozen foods, flakes. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.