Convict Cichlid

Amatitlania nigrofasciata

Synonyms Zebra cichlid · Pink convict

Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is an aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 15 cm (5.9 in) and swims in open water. It wants 75–82°F (24–28°C) and pH 6–8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 90 L (24 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	15 cm (5.9 in)
Minimum tank	90 L (24 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH	6–8
Temperament	Aggressive
Lifespan	8–10 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Convict Cichlid needs at least 90 L (24 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 29 Gallon.
It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 5 cm (2 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Rummy Nose Tetra and Crystal Red Shrimp.
It is the wrong size to share a tank with Iridescent Shark, Senegal Bichir and Black Ghost Knifefish: it ends up as food.
It holds at 75–82°F (24–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
It is aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
One of them takes up roughly 31% of what a 29 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 90 L (24 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 29 Gallon.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6–8.

How long does it live?

8–10 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Convict Cichlid	Firemouth Cichlid	Angelfish
Adult size	15 cm	12 cm	15 cm
Min tank	90 L	108 L	150 L
Group	1+	1+	1+
Temperature	75–82°F (24–28°C)	68–90°F (20–32°C)	75–84°F (24–29°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	Yes

More livestock

Plan a tank with Convict Cichlid →

Sources (5) · checked Sep 2026