Convict Cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is a freshwater species with an adult-size reference of about 15 cm. It needs at least 120 litres and 2 individuals, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Wassertemperatur
24 - 28 °C
pH-Wert
7 - 8
Wassertyp
Süßwasser
Tankfüllstand
Unten und in der Mitte
Erwachsenengröße
15 cm
Mindesttankvolumen
>= 120 L
Mindestgruppe
>= 2
GH
10 - 20 dGH
KH
5 - 10 dKH
TDS
200 - 400 ppm
Leitfähigkeit
313 - 625 uS/cm
Artbeschreibung
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Amatitlania nigrofasciata; the verified classification records genus Amatitlania, family Cichlidae, subfamily Cichlasomatinae, order Cichliformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Convict Cichlid should be kept as a compatible pair. The minimum reference is 2 individuals; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Aquarium Setup: Convict Cichlid needs an aquarium of at least 120 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of 2 individuals. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is omnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater species; the card's reference values are 24–28 °C, pH 7–8. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is best kept in a species-focused setup, with a generally aggressive temperament. Keep at least 2 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Use a secure cover and close escape gaps. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Ursprung
Mittelamerika und Karibik
Fischprofil
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Convict Cichlid has a generally aggressive temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Diät
- Omnivore
- Convict cichlids are opportunistic omnivores with a hearty appetite, feeding on a wide variety of foods in the wild. In the home aquarium, they are unfussy eaters that will readily accept high-quality cichlid flakes, pellets, and granules. To encourage optimal health and coloration, their diet should be supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables can also be offered to satisfy their need for plant matter.
- Lebenserwartung
- 8-10 years
- Erwachsenengröße
- 15 cm
- Geschlechterverhältnis
- Pair
- Convict Cichlid should be kept as a compatible pair. The reference minimum is 2 individuals and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Fütterungsfrequenz
- Twice daily
- Convict cichlids should be fed once or twice daily with portion sizes that they can fully consume within two to three minutes. Feeding them smaller amounts multiple times a day helps prevent overeating and reduces the accumulation of uneaten food in the substrate. For juvenile fish, a higher feeding frequency of two to three times per day is beneficial to support their rapid growth rate. It is highly recommended to establish a consistent feeding schedule to minimize territorial stress and food competition in the tank.
- Bioload
- Medium to High
- Amatitlania nigrofasciata produces a medium to high biological load due to its stocky build, active nature, and hearty appetite. They are notorious diggers that constantly shift the substrate, which can stir up debris and organic waste into the water column. To manage this waste, aquariums require a robust filtration system, preferably with both mechanical and biological components. Regular weekly water changes of 20 to 30 percent are essential to keep nitrate levels low and maintain pristine water quality.
- Fluss
- Stagnant
- In their natural habitat, Amatitlania nigrofasciata inhabits various water conditions ranging from slow-moving streams to fast-flowing rivers. In an aquarium setup, they prefer moderate water flow that mimics their riverine origins without being overly turbulent. A filter return or powerhead can be positioned to create gentle currents, providing areas of movement alongside calm zones near their caves. Adequate water movement is also beneficial for oxygenation and prevents dead spots where waste can accumulate.
- Sprungrisiko
- Yes
- Although Amatitlania nigrofasciata is a bottom-to-middle dwelling fish, it still poses a moderate risk of jumping out of the aquarium. This behavior is usually triggered by stress, sudden fright from shadow movements, or intense territorial chasing. A tight-fitting lid or cover slides are strongly recommended to prevent any accidental escapes. Additionally, providing ample hiding places and reducing sudden lighting changes can help keep their stress levels down and minimize startle responses.
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- Breeding Amatitlania nigrofasciata is exceptionally easy, making them one of the most prolific spawners in the aquarium hobby. When ready to breed, the pair will select a cave or clay pot, clean the surface, and lay up to 300 eggs. The female guards the nest and fans the eggs, while the male vigorously patrols the surrounding territory to repel any potential threats. The eggs hatch in about three to four days, and the parents will relocate the fry to shallow pits in the substrate until they become free-swimming.
- Kompatibilität & Tankkameraden
- Species only
- The cohabitation profile is best kept in a species-focused setup, with a generally aggressive temperament. Keep at least 2 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Tankfüllstand
- Middle/Bottom
- In the aquarium, Amatitlania nigrofasciata primarily occupies the bottom and middle zones of the tank. They are closely associated with shelter and will spend most of their time near caves, rock piles, or driftwood formations. They rarely venture into open water or near the surface unless feeding or defending their territory. Providing a rich layout with plenty of low-level structures will help them feel secure and exhibit natural behaviors.
Wissenschaftliche Modelle & Parameter
FishBase
Zugang zu den offiziellen wissenschaftlichen Daten der Art
FishBase v25.04Daten synchronisiert am: 15.06.2026
- Trophäenniveau
- 3,3 ± 0,45 se
- Belastbarkeit
- Hoch (weniger als 15 Monate)
- Phylogenetische Einzigartigkeit (PD50)
- 0.502
- Bayessche Längen-Gewichts-Beziehung
- a = 0.02692, b = 3.02
- AnfälligkeitGeringe Anfälligkeit (13 / 100)
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