Convict cichlid care

Water temperature

74–82°F

Keep convict cichlids at 74–82°F with a pH of 6.6–7.8, in a tank of at least 30 gallons. Good tank mates include mystery snails, crayfish, ramshorn snails.

Breeds readily and defends its fry hard. Pairs can clear a tank.

Amatitlania nigrofasciata

pH: 6.6–7.8
Minimum tank: 30 gal
Adult size: 5.0 in
Temperament: Aggressive
Group: Alone or in pairs
Lifespan: 8–10 years
Swims at: Bottom
Diet: Omnivore

Best tank mates

Full convict cichlid tank mate chart: 5 yes, 22 with care, 71 no

Convict cichlid water compared

Convict cichlid next to its best tank mates. Overlap is what lets two species share a heater setting.

pH range. Tap water in most US cities sits between 7 and 8.

Adult size to scale.

Fish to keep away from convict cichlids

Betta Convict cichlids are aggressive, and slow, long-finned bettas cannot escape them.
Axolotl Axolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); convict cichlids need 74–82°F. No temperature suits both.
Pea puffer Both are aggressive, and convict cichlids are much bigger, so pea puffers lose.
Guppy Convict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful guppies.
Angelfish Convict cichlids are aggressive, and slow, long-finned angelfish cannot escape them.
Oscar An adult oscar eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 5 inches convict cichlids do.
Goldfish Goldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); convict cichlids need 74–82°F. They meet only at 74°F, the edge of both ranges.
Tiger barb Convict cichlids are aggressive and much bigger than tiger barbs.