Zebra Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata)

The Zebra Convict Cichlid, Amatitlania nigrofasciata, is the fish many aquarists still know by the older trade name Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum. That older name explains why supplier lists sometimes use Zebra Cichlid or Convict Cichlid interchangeably. The important point for the keeper is simpler: this is a hardy, boldly barred Central American cichlid with real presence, a strong territorial instinct and one of the most memorable personalities in freshwater fishkeeping.

This is not a shy community fish. It is a compact cichlid, usually around 10 cm as an adult, but it behaves like a much larger fish when it claims a cave, a rock pile or a breeding site. The black vertical bars over the grey to blue-white body give the classic convict look, while mature females can show warm orange or pink tones through the belly when in condition. Males are usually larger, with more pointed dorsal and anal fins, and older males may develop a fuller forehead profile.

Why Choose This Fish?

• Hardy and adaptable once settled in a mature aquarium.
• Bold striped pattern that stays easy to recognise from juvenile size through adulthood.
• Excellent cichlid behaviour for keepers who enjoy territory, display and parental care.
• Current size options on this product let you choose the fish size that suits your tank plan.
• Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee, with WELCOME10 available for eligible first orders.

Natural Range And Behaviour

Source references place the species in Central America, including river systems around Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. FishBase and other species references describe adults in flowing water around rocky habitat, roots and debris. That matters in the aquarium because this fish appreciates structure. A bare tank leaves all the territorial energy with nowhere sensible to go; a tank with rockwork, caves, wood and visual breaks gives the fish clear boundaries and reduces constant confrontation.

The Convict Cichlid is famous for breeding readily. That can be fascinating, but it is also when its temperament becomes most intense. A pair may defend eggs and fry with real determination, pushing away anything that comes close. For that reason, plan the tank before buying rather than hoping a peaceful mixed community will adjust around them.

Tank Setup

Use a mature aquarium of at least 114 litres for a single adult or bonded pair. Larger aquariums are strongly preferred if you want to attempt tank mates. Build the layout with stable rockwork, caves, sturdy wood and open swimming space at the front. Make sure heavy stones are placed safely on the tank base or supported before adding substrate, because these cichlids may dig and rearrange the floor around a chosen territory.

Sand or smooth gravel both work. Plants can be used, especially tough plants tied to wood or rock, but delicate rooted plants may be lifted during digging. A good external or internal filter, regular water changes and stable oxygenation are more important than chasing unusual water chemistry. This is a robust fish, but stable water still produces better colour, appetite and behaviour.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22-28°C.
• pH: 6.5-8.0 in the aquarium, with neutral to slightly alkaline water especially suitable.
• Hardness: adaptable; moderate to hard water is usually preferred.
• Adult size: around 10 cm.
• Minimum aquarium: 114 litres for a planned single fish or pair; more for tank mates.
• Care level: easy for water care, but not easy in temperament.
• Diet: omnivore.
• Swimming area: mostly lower to middle levels, centred around its territory.

Feeding

This species is an unfussy omnivore. Use a quality cichlid pellet or granular food as the staple, then rotate frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and mysis. Include some vegetable content through spirulina flakes, algae-based foods or blanched greens. Small, varied meals are better than heavy feeding, especially in territorial fish that may guard an area and leave waste around caves.

Compatibility

The honest answer is that this fish is best for a species-focused setup, a carefully managed pair, or a large robust cichlid aquarium. Avoid small tetras, guppies, rasboras, shrimp, slow fancy fish, peaceful dwarf cichlids and anything with long fins. In a very large aquarium, possible companions are similarly robust Central American cichlids or tough bottom dwellers that cannot be bullied easily, but even then the layout must provide separate territories and escape routes.

Do not buy this species as a general community centrepiece. Buy it because you want a proper cichlid with attitude, confident behaviour and strong parental instincts. In the right tank, that personality is the appeal. In the wrong tank, it becomes a problem.

Buying Notes

This listing may offer several size variants under the same product page. Choose the smaller sizes when you want the fish to grow into a planned setup, and choose larger sizes only when the aquarium already has enough space and structure. As always with live fish, acclimate slowly, keep lights low on arrival and avoid adding the fish straight into an unsettled or newly cycled tank.

Quick Facts

Sources Checked

Care notes were cross-checked against FishBase, Seriously Fish, Aquarium Glaser and invasive species reference data for current naming, natural range, habitat and temperament. The current accepted name is treated as Amatitlania nigrofasciata, while the older Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum name is retained only as trade and synonym context.