Convict

The Convict Cichlid is a hardy and highly active freshwater cichlid recognised for its distinctive black vertical bars over a grey to silver body. Their bold markings, intelligence, and fascinating behaviour make them a popular choice for cichlid enthusiasts.

Convict Cichlids are extremely hardy but can also be highly territorial, particularly when breeding. Despite their relatively small size, they will confidently defend their territory against much larger fish. They are best suited to dedicated cichlid aquariums or carefully planned communities with robust, compatible tank mates.

• Common Name: Convict Cichlid / Zebra Cichlid
• Scientific Name: Amatitlania nigrofasciata
• Family: Cichlidae
• Adult Size: Approximately 10–15 cm
• Temperament: Aggressive / territorial
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: Approximately 100 litres+, with larger tanks recommended for pairs or communities
• Temperature: Approximately 22–28°C
• pH: Approximately 6.5–8.0
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Aquarium Level: All levels
• Breeding: Cave-spawning cichlid
• Lifespan: Approximately 8–10+ years with appropriate care

Feeding

Convict Cichlids are enthusiastic feeders and readily accept a wide variety of aquarium foods. Provide a quality cichlid pellet or granule as the staple diet, supplemented with suitable vegetable-based foods and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.

A varied diet helps maintain healthy growth, excellent body condition, and strong natural colouration. Feed appropriate portions once or twice daily and avoid overfeeding.

Aquarium Care

Provide a well-structured aquarium with plenty of rocks, caves, driftwood, and other hiding areas. Convicts naturally establish territories, so visual barriers and multiple sheltered areas are particularly important when keeping more than one cichlid.

Good filtration and regular partial water changes are essential. Convicts may dig extensively and rearrange substrate, particularly when breeding, so aquarium decorations should be positioned securely.

Tank mates should be selected carefully. Avoid small, timid, slow-moving, or delicate species that may be bullied or injured. A larger aquarium is strongly recommended when keeping Convicts alongside other cichlids.

Breeding Behaviour

Convict Cichlids are prolific breeders and may form pairs readily. A breeding pair will usually select a cave, rock, or sheltered surface before laying and guarding their eggs.

Both parents typically protect the eggs and fry aggressively. During breeding, territorial behaviour can increase dramatically, and the pair may attempt to dominate a substantial area of the aquarium.

Shipping

• Australia-wide shipping available where permitted
• Fish are carefully packed for safe transport
• Local pickup available by appointment from Fins 'N' Feathers
• Shipping availability may depend on destination, weather conditions, fish size, and applicable biosecurity restrictions

Live Arrival

Please inspect livestock immediately upon arrival. If there is an issue with your order, contact us as soon as possible in accordance with our live arrival policy and provide clear photos of the fish in its unopened transport bag where applicable.

Actual size, stripe pattern, colour intensity, and appearance may vary between individual fish due to age, sex, genetics, stress, and environmental conditions.