Species · Amatitlania nigrofasciata

Convict cichlid: tank size, water and tank mates

Breeds readily and becomes very aggressive; species tank recommended.

Adult size15 cm (5.9 in)
Minimum tank40 US gal
Temperature26–28 °C (79–82 °F)
pH7–8
Temperamentaggressive
Keep in groups ofAlone or pairs
Swimsmid
Shrimp & snailsLikely to eat them

Predator: may eat fish up to about 4 cm.

Check a tank with Convict cichlid

Good tank mates for Convict cichlid

These species share its temperature range and temperament, with no fin-nipping or predation risk under our rules. Still check your tank size and bioload in the checker.

African butterflyfish · Agassiz's dwarf cichlid · Angelfish · Betta (male) · Blue acara · Buenos Aires tetra · Dwarf gourami · Firemouth cichlid · Swordtail · Three-spot gourami

Avoid with Convict cichlid

African dwarf frog (predation) · Amano shrimp (predation) · Assassin snail (predation) · Bala shark (aggression) · Banjo catfish (aggression) · Black neon tetra (predation) · Black phantom tetra (predation) · Black ruby barb (aggression) · Bleeding heart tetra (aggression) · Bloodfin tetra (aggression) · Boeseman's rainbowfish (aggression) · Bolivian ram (aggression) · Bristlenose pleco (temperature) · Bronze corydoras (temperature) · Bumblebee goby (predation) · Cardinal tetra (predation) · Celestial pearl danio (predation) · Checkerboard barb (temperature)

Sources

Checked 2026-11-09 · confidence: high. These are cautious community guidelines, not guarantees. Not veterinary advice. Report an error.