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).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
Try it in a tank
Put Convict Cichlid in a 3D tank at your size and see how it sits with everything else. Free with an account.
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.
Convict Cichlid: care and setup
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 |