Convict Cichlid
Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is one of the most beginner-friendly and reliably breeding cichlids available — a pale grey to blue-white body with bold black vertical bands, like prison stripes that give it the 'convict' name. Hardy, adaptable, and one of the most easily bred cichlids, it is a classic introduction to cichlid keeping.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold makes an excellent primary staple — Hikari Micro Pellets as backup. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp. Feed 2–3 times daily in amounts consumed within a few minutes.
Native to Pacific slope rivers of Central America — Honduras to Panama. Central American cichlids generally prefer hard, alkaline water — quite different from the soft acidic conditions preferred by most South American cichlids.
Keep as a bonded pair or with other large, similarly aggressive Central American cichlids. Flat surface spawners with devoted biparental care.
Central American cichlids are rewarding and long-lived aquarium residents for experienced cichlid keepers.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive — especially when breeding |
| Typical Adult Size | 6.0 inches (15 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Bonded pair — species or Central American community |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 8–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 4–12 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Pacific slope rivers of Central America — Honduras to Panama |
| Notes | Classic beginner cichlid. Bold black stripes on pale body. One of the most easily bred aquarium cichlids. Devoted biparental care. |
