If you are looking for a medium-sized fierce fighter fish for your freshwater aquarium, the convict cichlid will not fail you. The species is super expressive, which often mesmerizes aquarists. In fact, it also ranks as the third most popular cichlid, with freshwater angelfish and Oscars taking first and second place.
It’s also a delightful experience to feed and raise this gluttonous fast-growing fish. So, if you’re ready to have a few convict friends 😉, keep reading!
Species Overview
| Origin | River Sucio: El Salvador, River Patuca: Honduras, River Suchiate, River Jutiapa: Guatemala, Central America |
| Order | Perciformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Scientific Name | Amatitlania nigrofasciata |
| Common Names | Convict Cichlid, Zebra Cichlid, Zebra Chanchito |
| IUCN Red List Status | Data Deficient |
| Appearance | Stocky oval fish with bluish-white body, black stripes, and yellowish fins |
| Size | In captivity, up to 8.5 cm (3.3 in); In the wild, up to 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Lifespan | Up to 10 years; rarely with good care up to 15 years |
| Temperament | Territorial, aggressive towards conspecifics and others |
| Tank Level | Bottom to middle dwellers |
| Water Temperature | 72-86 °F (22-30 °C) |
| pH Level | 6.5-8.0 |
| Water Hardness | 10-20 dGH |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 50 gallons for 2 |
| Tank Environment | Spacious tank with lots of hiding places |
| Diet | Omnivorous with a carnivorous preference |
| Tank Mates | Species-only tank with pair; otherwise, a well-researched tank of South American cichlids and other large and aggressive fish |
Natural Habitat
Naturally, this freshwater fish is widespread in Central America. It is native to the Pacific slope from the Sucio River of El Salvador to the Suchiate River of Guatemala. You will also spot it on the Atlantic slope from the Patuca River of Honduras to the Jutiapa River of Guatemala.
In these water bodies, the fish inhabit the benthopelagic zone of small streams and creeks and the shallow rocky areas among the crevices and roots of large rivers. You will also see it in the warm pools and springs.
Some also claimed that the fish is native to Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua, but that’s not true.
However, it has been introduced to the natural habitat of Portugal’s water bodies and has turned into an invasive species there.
Many researchers claim that this led to the displacement of the native aquatic species of Hawaii and Mexico.
As per the 2019 assessment of IUCN Red List Status of Threatened Species, convict cichlids are labeled Data Deficient.
Classification
The species belongs to the Perciformes order and Cichlidae family. Its binomial name is Amatitlania nigrofasciata, whereas it’s popular worldwide as convict cichlid, zebra cichlid, and zebra chanchito.
Fun Fact: It gets the name “convict” because of its alternating black and white pattern, just like prisoners’ outfits.
Appearance
Now, if you’re interested in knowing more about its physical characteristics and habits, let’s get down to business!
Size
Captive-bred convict cichlids usually grow up to 8-8.5 cm (3.15-3.3 in) long. But the wild-bred ones can be much longer, up to 10 cm (3.94 in) long.
Color
There is more than one color variant for convicts. But the one found naturally has a bluish-white or bluish-grey base body color and clear to light yellow fins. There are about 8-9 black vertical stripes on its body, like a zebra.
There’s another pseudo-albino leucistic variant which is known by various names like white, gold, or pink convict cichlid, which is pinkish cream color and lacks stripes.
Scientifically, it is called Amatitlania nigrofasciata “Kongo.” This strain is formed by selective breeding.
In this, the male is uniformly colored, but the females have a slight orange patch around the belly which brightens during spawning.
On the other hand, there is a darker variant called the black convict cichlid.
Features
The deep-bodied zebra cichlid has a stocky oval shape and pointy dorsal and anal fins. Its vertical stripes just behind the head have a break, making a U-shape.
Like all cichlids, other than their actual teeth, it also has teeth in its throat. The dorsal, anal, pelvic, and pectoral fins have spiny rays that protect the fish from predators.
However, the front side of the same fins is tender and flexible, which helps them swim fast and effortlessly.
It also has a pair of nostrils that helps the fish draw and release water to test for the smell of other species.
Sexual Dimorphism
The adult male convict cichlid is larger than the female, with much more pointed dorsal and anal fins and a steep forehead.
Sometimes, he might accumulate a vestigial fat lump on his forehead which looks like a nuchal hump similar to flowerhorn cichlids.
On the other hand, the female fish has an extra dark patch on her dorsal fin. During mating, her colors brighten. She also flaunts an orange shading on the dorsal fins and lower body.
Behavior & Temperament
Convict cichlid is territorial and aggressive towards its own species and can only be peaceful with its mated pair. It becomes the most aggressive during the spawning season.
Usually, it likes to loiter on the substrate looking for food, but it marks its territory on both the bottom and middle water levels.
Lifespan
Most aquarists can sustain the convict cichlid for 10 years at most. But in my experience, it can survive up to 15 years if you’re extremely careful with its maintenance.
Author’s Note: If fed well and regularly, the adult fish can survive until 7 days without a meal.
Convict Cichlid Care
Now, if you’re all set to buy this fish, then let’s build its soon-to-be home here!
Tank Size
If you buy a group of small convict cichlids, you need no more than a 20-gallon tank. However, a pair of mature convicts need a 50-gallon tank.
Some people may suggest smaller ones, but in my opinion, slightly bigger tanks allow the fish to move freely.
If you’re an expert and want to build a community tank, invest in a 125-gallon tank.
Water Chemistry
The water can impact your convict cichlid’s health a lot. So, to sustain it for the longest time, maintain these levels.
- pH Levels: 6.5-8.0
- Water Temperature: 72-86 °F (22-30 °C)
- Water Hardness: 10-20 dGH
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Below 30 ppm
Tank Environment
The landscaping of the aquarium also has a lot of effect on your pet fish’s mood and health. So, let’s design the best for it!
Substrate
To keep your convict happy and safe, use a mixture of smooth and fine sand and smoothened gravel substrate. This mimics its rocky natural environment.
Plants
The fish hides around plants in its tank but may also nibble or uproot them while searching for food. So, always go for hard-stemmed strong-rooted potted plants like Anubias or Java Fern.
Lighting
Adequate lighting is vital to keep convicts healthy and happy. However, you must also have some dim corners for the fish to hide and feel safe.
Décor
Add plenty of caves, rockets, bogwood, driftwood, and branches as hiding places in the tank.
Filtration
A reliable and efficient canister filter is a great way to keep the water clean and your fish healthy. You can also add a water conditioner to get rid of toxins.
Water Flow Rate
Convicts are great swimmers, so they love to explore moderate to high water flow rates.
Fish Care Tip: You must perform 15% water changes twice a week to maintain the best water quality.
Food & Diet
Convict cichlid is a no-fuss omnivorous fish but definitely loves carnivorous meals. It can survive on a range of feeds, but to maintain its good health, you must keep it on a diet of:
- Spirulina
- Blanched vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, cucumbers, zucchini, peas
- Earthworms
- Bloodworms
- Brine shrimp
- Small fish
- Snails
- Insects
- Larvae
Feed the young fish at least thrice a day for 2 minutes for faster growth. But for the adult fish, only 1-2 meals for 2 minutes each is enough.
Tank Mates
If you don’t have much experience with aquariums, you must always keep the fish in a species-only tank.
But if you’re a pro-aquarist, then a community tank with South American cichlids and other equally big and intimidating fish will be great for you!
Some suitable tank mates are:
- Salvini cichlids
- Texas cichlids
- Firemouth cichlids
- Rainbow cichlids
- Jack Dempsey cichlids
- Jaguar cichlids
- Green Terrors
- Bala Sharks
- Giant Danios
- Silver Dollars
- Pictus Catfish
- Suckermouth Catfish
However, while mating, it’s better to keep only a pair in the tank, away from others, as the species becomes extremely sensitive then. Sometimes, they may even injure or kill species more aggressive and bigger than themselves.
Tank Mates to Avoid
Never house the following types of fish in the same tank:
- Peaceful species: they will get harassed to death
- Smaller species: they will eventually get eaten
- Weaker species: even if they are large, they won’t be able to defend themselves from convicts
- Shy species: convicts are incredibly active, which can make them anxious
- Slow species: they can’t escape if convicts chase or attack them
Species like tetras, corydoras, and guppies are absolutely no-go!
Common Diseases
Convict cichlids are pretty hardy and disease-resistant. But it’s not an invincible fish, so be prepared to treat the following:
| Disease Name | Causes | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ich | Protozoan Parasitic Infection | Flashing, white spots, inactivity, appetite loss | Add aquarium salts or ich medication, raise water temperature |
| Fin rot | Bacterial Infection | Fin discoloration or redness, fin disintegration, fin fraying, inactivity, appetite loss | Improve water quality, remove any object that may hurt the fish, add antibiotics |
| Columnaris | Bacterial Infection | Fin fraying, white patches, inactivity, appetite loss | Enhance water quality, reduce stress, add antibiotics |
| Skin Flukes | Parasitic Infection | Excess mucus secretion, breathing troubles, hazy skin, scale loss, red spots, inactivity, appetite loss | Improve water quality, improve diet, administer medicines orally, injections, and with medicated baths |
| Dropsy | Stress, water issue, infection | Bloated, swallowed belly, protruding scales, ulcers, red and sore skin near vents and fins | Quarantine, improve diet, regular water changes, add medicine |
Quick Tip: Before introducing any new item to the tank, remember to clean it properly to avoid introducing parasites.
Breeding & Reproduction
This is one of the most easily bred fish, and it spawns spontaneously, but it still has some basic needs, so let’s know them here!
Tank Preparation
A pair of mated convict cichlids must be bred in a different tank as they become highly aggressive during this time.
So, to urge a pair to mate, house them in a 50-gallon tank with caves (since they are cave spawners) or turned pots (to mimic caves) and a temperature of 75-79 °F (24-26 °C).
Mating
Introduce a sexually mature mated pair, i.e.; the pair must be 6 months old. If they agree to mate, they shake their head and dance.
The male then assumes a vertical position and darkens its color, while the female’s belly becomes slightly red. The pair then digs a hole or finds a cave to lay their eggs and fertilize them.
The female fish lays up to 40 eggs each time after a mating ritual. This continues until she lays 100-300 eggs.
Incubation & Fry Development
Depending on the tank water conditions, the eggs hatch after 48-72 hours. The female fans the eggs throughout the incubation period.
After hatching, the young fry absorb the yolk and become free swimmers after 6-8 days. You must start feeding the fry baby brine shrimp, daphnia, crushed flakes, or fry pellets.
The female parent may often help her babies find food by moving the substrate and exposing the food to them. She may also chew the larger pieces and spit them out to feed them. Or, the parents secrete mucus from their body, and the fry feeds on it.
Historically, convict cichlids provide the best parental care. They protect their babies, hide them in the sand, and also help them find food.
Separation
After a few weeks, house the fry in another tank. Otherwise, the female parent might eat the young fish leading to the male attacking her.
Note: Don’t be shocked if you see the parent fish sucking the young ones in their mouth. They are actually moving the young fish to a safer place.
Quick Buying Tips
- Larger convict cichlids are more expensive than younger ones. Moreover, this fish grows pretty fast, so buying young fish is more economical.
- Always buy a group of 5-6 young fish and house them together to get naturally mated pairs.
- Avoid housing convict cichlids from different stores, as you might create a non-viable brood when hybridized.
A word from FIA
Convict cichlid is an intriguing fish with strong parental instincts. Its curiosity and behavior are bound to leave you feeling more mesmerized with time. If you have some experience with raising cichlids, raising them will be nothing less than sheer fun!
With that, if you feel one step closer to getting a handful of convicts, don’t forget to share this article with other enthusiasts. But if you have any questions or face any roadblocks with your journey with convicts, drop us a mail, and we’ll guide you through!