Scientific Name: Amatitlania nigrofasciata

Please note – The image used above is for illustration purposes only; Size, colour and sex may vary. Many of our livestock species are sold as juveniles and have not yet reached their full size and colour potential. If you have any concerns about the size or colour of the livestock you wish to order, please contact our livestock team via our support centre before placing your order. Due to the large quantities of livestock orders daily, the livestock team will are unable to select fish / shrimp to meet specific gender or aesthetic needs. 

Approximate purchase size : 5 - 6cm
All Pond Solutions will always endeavour to supply as close to the approximate size range as possible.  Due to variations from suppliers on rare occasions this may not always be possible.  Images used are to show the full potential of the fish when fully mature and are not always representative of juvenile specimens.

How easy are they to care for?
We would class this as an easy level of care but it is not suitable for a general aquarium set up.

How large can they grow?
Anywhere between 8 – 15cm.

Where in the world are they from?
The Convict cichlid is distributed throughout Central America including Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

What is the ideal number to keep together?
This species is best kept on their own or in a breeding pair. If your aquarium size permits, you will be able to keep more.

What water conditions do they require?
While they are tolerant of a wide range or water temperatures, the ideal range is 24 - 28°C and will accept pH ranges from 6.0 - 8.0.

What should you feed them?
Convict cichlids will happily accept a wide range of live, frozen and pellet foods. Keep their diet varied for the best development.

How compatible are they with other fish?
Not suitable for a community aquarium – they are very territorial and aggressive. Best for a species specific tank or with very robust Central American cichlids.

Can they be bred in captivity?
Will readily breed in captivity - pairing is often as easy as dropping a male and a female into a tank together.