Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) - UK

The Convict Cichlid, Amatitlania nigrofasciata, has earned its place as one of the most talked-about cichlids in the hobby for a simple reason: few fish combine toughness, personality, and breeding behaviour quite like this classic Zebra Cichlid. Native to Central America rather than South America, this hardy cichlid for aquarium life is famous for bold black bars, intense parental care, and a reputation as the easiest cichlid to breed for many keepers. Adult convict cichlid size is usually around 10-12 cm, with a convict cichlid lifespan that can reach 8-10 years when water quality and diet are kept stable. It is often recommended as a beginner cichlid UK aquarists can succeed with, but that does not mean it is a soft community species; convict cichlid aggression is very real, especially once a convict cichlid breeding pair forms.

If you are researching convict cichlid care guide advice, convict cichlid tank size, convict cichlid temperature, or what fish can live with convict cichlids, this page covers the practical details that matter in a UK fish room. See our detailed photos showing the striped body pattern, male and female differences, and the compact but muscular build that makes this Convict Fish so distinctive. For aquarists looking at tropical fish for sale UK listings and wanting a fish with genuine character, Amatitlania nigrofasciata offers a lot of activity in a manageable size.

Where Do Convict Cichlids Come From? Natural Habitat Explained

Amatitlania nigrofasciata comes from Central America, with natural populations recorded from Guatemala through Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. In the wild, this Central American cichlid UK keepers admire is found in streams, small rivers, rocky margins, and shallow zones with roots, crevices, and broken sight lines. These habitats explain much of the fish's aquarium behaviour: it likes cover, claims a territory, and uses caves as spawning sites.

Natural waters vary by season, but the species generally occupies warm freshwater with moderate mineral content. That is why broad but sensible convict cichlid water conditions work well in captivity. A stable convict cichlid pH level between 6.5 and 8.0, moderate to hard water, and good oxygenation all reflect the sort of conditions this species handles well. If you have searched amatitlania nigrofasciata fishbase or even amatitlania nigrofasciata pdf resources, you will notice repeated references to its adaptability and strong breeding instincts.

In nature, the species feeds opportunistically on insect larvae, small crustaceans, plant matter, detritus, and biofilm. That flexible diet is one reason it is considered among the ciclidos mas resistentes by many keepers. It also explains why a varied captive menu produces better condition than relying on one food alone. The fish is not a delicate blackwater specialist; instead, it is a practical, robust freshwater cichlid that rewards stable husbandry more than constant tinkering.

Many people searching in Spanish ask about ciclido cebra, ciclido convicto ficha, ciclido convicto compatibilidad, or pez convicto compatibilidad. The key point is that this species is adaptable in water chemistry but not universally peaceful. Habitat structure matters just as much as pH or hardness. A tank with caves, rocks, and visual barriers will always produce better results than an open glass box.

How Do You Set Up the Perfect Tank for a Convict Cichlid?

The best convict cichlid tank is not just about litres on paper. It must also control aggression, provide secure spawning sites, and handle the waste output of active cichlids. The official convict cichlid minimum tank size for a single fish or a bonded pair is 150 litres, but many experienced keepers prefer more space once breeding starts. A 180-240 litre aquarium gives better territory separation and makes maintenance easier. If you are comparing convict cichlid tank size recommendations online, the larger advice is usually the more realistic one.

Tank Size Requirements

For one adult or a carefully managed pair, 150 litres is the practical entry point. For a pair with dither fish or larger companions, aim higher. The fish may only reach moderate convict cichlid max size, but its behaviour demands room. During spawning, a pair can dominate a surprising amount of floor space. That is why many failed convict cichlid community tank attempts happen in tanks that are technically large enough in volume but too short in footprint.

Water Parameters

Reliable convict cichlid water parameters are straightforward: keep temperature at 22-28°C, with 24-26°C ideal for everyday maintenance. If you are specifically checking convict cichlid ideal temperature or convict cichlid temperature for breeding, 25-27°C often encourages activity without pushing metabolism too hard. The best convict cichlid pH level sits between 6.8 and 7.8, though the species tolerates 6.5-8.0 when stable. Suitable convict cichlid water hardness is around 8-20 dGH. Stability matters more than chasing an exact number.

Filtration

Use strong biological filtration and moderate water movement. Convicts are messy eaters and active diggers, so a dependable external filter is ideal. Pairing this fish with a correctly sized heater and a mature filter is more important than decorative extras. Good oxygenation helps appetite, colour, and recovery from minor stress. Frequent partial water changes are part of proper convict cichlid care guide practice, especially if the pair is guarding fry.

Substrate

Sand or smooth fine gravel works best. This species often excavates around caves and stones, so sharp gravel can damage the mouth and gill area. A natural dark substrate also makes the bars of the Black Convict stand out more clearly. Keep décor stable and place heavy rocks on the tank base before adding substrate.

Plants & Decor

Plants are possible, but choose tough species attached to décor rather than delicate rooted stems. Rock caves, ceramic caves, bogwood, and line-of-sight breaks are essential. If you want a compatible cichlid display, consider related species pages such as Andinoacara Pulcher - Blue Acara, Thorichthys Meeki - Firemouth Cichlid, Escondido Lowland Cichlid - Herichthys Carpintis, or Red Head Severum Cichlid - Heros for stocking ideas built around robust fish.

Lighting Requirements

Moderate lighting is ideal. Bright lighting without cover can make fish more defensive. Around 7-9 hours per day works well, especially if you want to observe natural activity without encouraging excess algae. Our product image, amatitlania-nigrofasciata.webp, is useful for seeing how contrast in substrate and side lighting can emphasise barring and body shape.

What Do Convict Cichlids Eat? Complete Feeding Guide

The convict cichlid diet is omnivorous, which makes feeding simple but not careless. In the wild, these fish take insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae, organic debris, and plant material. In captivity, the best convict cichlid feeding routine combines a quality cichlid pellet with vegetable matter and occasional protein-rich extras. This is one reason the species suits the keeper looking for a convict cichlid for beginners option: it eats readily and adapts well to prepared foods.

Staple Foods

A balanced sinking or slow-sinking cichlid pellet should be the core diet. Feed once or twice daily in portions the fish can finish in under a minute. A good staple supports growth, colour, and spawning condition without excessive waste. If you are keeping a convict cichlid freshwater pair, consistency matters more than constant variety.

Supplemental Foods

Supplement with blanched spinach, shelled peas, spirulina-based foods, and occasional frozen foods such as bloodworm or brine shrimp. Vegetable matter helps digestion and reduces the risk of bloating from a protein-heavy diet. For fish being conditioned for convict cichlid breeding, a mix of quality pellets and frozen foods often brings the pair into condition quickly.

Treats & Special Foods

Treats should be occasional, not daily. Too much rich food can worsen water quality and may increase territoriality during spawning. If you are raising convict cichlid fry, newly hatched brine shrimp and powdered fry foods are excellent first foods once they become free swimming.

Feeding Frequency & Portion Control

Juveniles do well on two small meals per day. Adults can be fed once daily, with a second small meal during conditioning or growth. Overfeeding is one of the most common reasons a healthy-looking convict cichlid UK setup starts showing stress, excess nitrate, and cloudy water.

Time	Food	Amount
Morning	Cichlid pellet with some vegetable content	Small portion eaten in 30-60 seconds
Evening	Pellet or frozen food rotation	Light second feed, especially for growing fish

What Does a Convict Cichlid Look Like? Colors, Patterns & Varieties

The classic Convict Cichlid is a compact, deep-bodied cichlid with 8 or 9 dark vertical bars over a bluish grey to silver base. This is why it is also sold as the Striped Cichlid or Zebra Cichlid. Typical convict cichlid size in the home aquarium is 8-12 cm, with males usually larger and more elongated than females. The realistic convict cichlid max size is around 12 cm total length in good conditions.

Sexing the species is usually straightforward once mature. A convict cichlid male and female pair can be told apart by body shape and colour. The male is larger, often with more pointed dorsal and anal fins, and may develop a slight forehead nuchal hump with age. The female convict cichlid is smaller but usually more colourful, often showing orange to pink on the belly and lower flanks. This is why searches for pez convicto macho y hembra are so common among new keepers.

Selective breeding has produced the albino convict cichlid, also known in some markets as ciclido convicto albino, ciclido convicto albino, or pez convicto blanco. These fish lack the strong black barring of the wild type and can appear white, pink, gold, or pale cream. If you like morphs, you may also want to see Amatitlania Nigrofasciata OB - Convict Cichlid and Amatitlania Nigrofasciata «Marble» - Marble Convict for alternative patterning.

Our photos show the difference between the standard barred form and lighter morphs, as well as the richer belly colour that often appears in females kept on a varied diet under stable lighting.

What Fish Can Live With Convict Cichlids? Compatibility Guide

This is the question most buyers ask: what fish can live with convict cichlids? The honest answer is that convict cichlid tank mates must be chosen for toughness, size, and temperament. A convict cichlid in community tank settings can work, but only in carefully planned setups. During breeding, even normally manageable fish become far more territorial. That is why convict cichlid compatible fish are usually robust cichlids, larger catfish, or similarly confident species.

Ideal Tank Mates

Good candidates include Blue Acara, Thorichthys Meeki - Firemouth Cichlid, Herichthys Carpintis, and in larger aquariums Red Head Severum Cichlid - Heros. Some keepers also compare convict cichlid or kribensis when choosing a smaller cichlid, but Kribensis are usually a better fit for calmer mixed tanks than breeding convicts. If you are researching ciclidos convictos compatibilidad or ciclido convicto compatibilidad, think in terms of territory and tank footprint, not just species lists.

Species to Avoid

Avoid small tetras, guppies, shrimp, and slow long-finned fish. Invertebrates are poor choices; shrimp will usually be hunted, and snails may be harassed. Tiny community fish are not suitable convict cichlid tankmates. The species is also risky with very passive cichlids. A pair of convicts can become relentless once eggs are laid.

Community Tank Stocking Examples

A 180-litre tank might hold one pair of convicts with a robust bottom-dweller, but once fry appear, separation may be necessary. A 240-300 litre setup offers more room for a pair alongside fish like Firemouth Cichlids or Blue Acaras. If you are considering convict cichlid with larger cichlids, size alone is not enough; personality matters. A fish can be larger and still be bullied if it is too placid.

Species	Compatible?	Notes
Blue Acara	✅ Yes	Works in larger tanks with caves and territory breaks
Thorichthys Meeki - Firemouth Cichlid	⚠️ Caution	Possible in spacious tanks; monitor during breeding
Pelvicachromis Pulcher - Rainbow Kribensis Cichlid	⚠️ Caution	Both species can become territorial around caves
Shrimp	❌ Avoid	Usually treated as food
Small livebearers	❌ Avoid	Too vulnerable to chasing and predation

Searches such as pezes compatibles con ciclidos, pez convicto compatibilidad, and convict cichlid community tank all point to the same truth: this is not a soft community fish. It can work in mixed cichlid setups, but planning is everything. If you are comparing species, you may also want to look at Rubricatochrom Rubricatochrom for another assertive cichlid, though convict cichlid vs jewel cichlid often comes down to whether you prefer stronger parental care or brighter colour.

How Do You Breed Convict Cichlids? Complete Breeding Guide

Convict cichlid breeding is famously easy. Many hobbyists describe this species as the most prolific cichlid breeder they have kept. A healthy convict cichlid breeding pair may spawn repeatedly, which is why buyers often ask how often do convict cichlids breed. In warm, stable water with good food and a secure cave, they can spawn every few weeks.

Breeding Setup

Use a dedicated 90-150 litre breeding tank or a larger display with clear territories. Provide a cave, flowerpot, or rock crevice. Keep convict cichlid water parameters stable, with temperature around 25-27°C. A varied diet conditions the pair quickly. If you are selecting fish, look for clear differences between convict cichlid male and female body shape and the orange belly on the female.

Spawning Behaviour

Convict cichlid pair bonding is strong. Once bonded, the pair will clean a cave and defend it aggressively. The female lays convict cichlid eggs on the cave wall or ceiling, and both parents fan and guard them. This is one reason the species is often recommended as a breeding cichlid UK keepers can observe without specialist equipment.

Egg Care & Hatching

Eggs usually hatch in about 72 hours, depending on temperature. The wrigglers remain in the cave while they absorb their yolk sacs. Parents continue guarding and moving them if needed. If you are asking when to remove convict cichlid fry, the answer depends on your goal. Leave them with the parents if you want to observe brood care, but separate them if the tank is crowded or if the pair prepares to spawn again.

Fry Care & Growth

Proper convict cichlid fry care starts when the fry become free swimming. Feed newly hatched brine shrimp, microworms, or powdered fry food 3-4 times daily in tiny portions. A sponge filter is ideal to protect fry. Many keepers ask what to do with convict cichlid fry because numbers can become unmanageable fast. Plan grow-out space before breeding. Another common question is can convict fry survive without parents; yes, they can if moved to a cycled rearing tank and fed appropriately, but parental care improves survival in many setups.

Convict Cichlid vs Similar Species: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between assertive cichlids is easier when you compare size, temperament, and long-term tank plans. The Convict Cichlid is often compared with Firemouths, Kribensis, Jewel Cichlids, and larger Central American fish. If you are deciding between a fish for behaviour, breeding, or mixed cichlid stocking, these comparisons matter.

Feature	Convict Cichlid	Firemouth Cichlid
Max Size	About 12 cm	About 15 cm
Care Level	Easy	Easy to moderate
Temperature	22-28°C	24-28°C
Price	£4.84	Varies
Best For	Breeding behaviour and hardy care	Display colour and larger community cichlid tanks

In the convict cichlid vs firemouth cichlid debate, the convict is usually the better choice for breeders and those wanting intense parental behaviour. The Firemouth, thorichthys meeki, is often the better display fish for larger mixed cichlid aquariums. If you are checking firemouth cichlid size, expect it to outgrow the convict slightly and need more open swimming room.

Feature	Convict Cichlid	Kribensis
Temperament	Aggressive when breeding	Moderately territorial
Breeding	Very easy	Easy
Community Suitability	Limited	Better
Best For	Species tanks and robust cichlid setups	Smaller peaceful cichlid communities

The convict cichlid or kribensis choice depends on your goals. Choose convicts if you want a bold, fast-breeding species with obvious pair behaviour. Choose Kribensis if you want more flexibility in a community tank. Other common comparisons include convict cichlid vs T-bar cichlid, convict cichlid vs jack dempsey, and convict cichlid vs jewel cichlid. Against a Jack Dempsey, the convict is smaller, though jack dempsey size and aggression mean the pairing needs a large tank and careful monitoring. Against a Severum such as heros severus, the convict is much smaller but often more relentless around a nest.

Common Health Problems in Convict Cichlids & How Do You Prevent Them?

A healthy Amatitlania nigrofasciata is alert, responsive, and strongly coloured, with clear eyes, full fins, and a steady appetite. Most health issues in this species come from poor water quality, stress from bad stocking, or injuries from tank fights rather than from inherent fragility. Despite older trade names like cichlasoma still appearing in searches, husbandry principles remain the same: stable water and low stress prevent most problems.

Signs of a Healthy Fish

Look for even breathing, intact fins, confident swimming, and interest in food. A settled Convict Cichlid will patrol its territory rather than hide constantly. During breeding, colour intensifies and the pair becomes more alert.

Common Diseases & Symptoms

White spot, bacterial fin damage after fights, hole-in-the-head linked to long-term poor nutrition and water quality, and bloat from overfeeding are the most common issues. Because convict cichlid aggression can lead to lip-locking and chasing, torn fins are not unusual in cramped tanks. A fish that suddenly darkens, clamps fins, or stops eating should be checked immediately.

Treatment Options

Start with water testing and a large partial water change. Isolate badly injured fish. Use proven medications only when you have identified the problem. Heat can help in some parasite cases, but do not raise temperature blindly. Good filtration and clean water often solve early-stage issues faster than random medication.

Prevention Tips

Maintain weekly water changes, avoid overstocking, feed a varied diet, and provide caves to break aggression. If you keep convicts with other cichlids such as green terror, thorichthys meeki, or Severums, make sure the tank is large enough for each species to claim space. Stress from crowding is one of the biggest hidden causes of disease.

What Is Convict Cichlid Behaviour Like in the Aquarium?

Convict cichlid behaviour is active, territorial, and highly interactive. This fish is not shy for long. Once settled, it spends much of the day patrolling, digging, inspecting caves, and responding to movement outside the glass. A single fish can be bold; a pair can become the centre of the aquarium.

The species is best kept singly or as a bonded pair, not in loose groups. Convict cichlid pair bonding is strong, and once it forms, the pair behaves as a team. During spawning, the female tends the eggs while the male guards the wider territory, though both parents participate in defence and fry herding.

This is why a convict cichlid in community tank arrangements often changes dramatically once breeding starts. Fish that were tolerated one week may be chased the next. To encourage natural behaviour without constant conflict, provide caves, visual barriers, and enough floor space. For many keepers, this is the appeal: few fish offer such visible intelligence and family behaviour at this size.

Why Buy Convict Cichlids from Tropical Fish Co?

When you order a live convict cichlid UK listing, quality matters more than a low headline price. We select fish for clear body shape, strong barring, active feeding response, and stable condition before sale. That means no thin, hollow-bellied juveniles and no rushed dispatch of fish that have only just arrived. If you are searching buy convict cichlid UK, buy Amatitlania nigrofasciata UK, buy zebra cichlid UK, convict cichlid online UK, or convict cichlid shop UK, the goal should be healthy stock that settles quickly.

Each convict cichlid for sale UK specimen is held, observed, and checked for feeding response before packing. We prepare fish for common UK aquarium conditions, and we pack with insulated materials, secure fish bags, and heat packs in cold weather when needed. Tracked delivery reduces time in transit, and careful bagging helps protect fins on active cichlids. Buyers comparing convict cichlid price UK should also consider survival, condition on arrival, and aftercare support.

We also make it easier to plan your setup. If you are not sure whether to choose a standard barred fish, an albino convict cichlid, or a patterned morph, we can point you toward the right option for your tank. If you are browsing tropical fish for sale UK and want a dependable freshwater cichlid UK species with real personality, this is one of the strongest choices available. Order your Convict Cichlid today with confidence and build a tank around a species that is tough, engaging, and endlessly interesting to watch.

You Might Also Like

If you are building a robust cichlid setup, consider Thorichthys Meeki - Firemouth Cichlid for a larger, colourful companion species, or Andinoacara Pulcher - Blue Acara for a calmer cichlid with good presence. For keepers interested in related morphs, browse Amatitlania Nigrofasciata OB - Convict Cichlid and Amatitlania Nigrofasciata «Marble» - Marble Convict. If you want to compare other assertive cichlids, see Rubricatochrom Rubricatochrom or Herichthys Carpintis. You can also explore the wider tropical fish collection for compatible species and future stocking ideas.