Species profile
Convict Cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Aggressive
Easy care
180 L minimum aquarium
8–12 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Very hardy but breeding behaviour makes this a poor beginner community cichlid. Provide caves, secure decor and enough floor space to contain a defended territory.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
7–8
GH
Up to 20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
2.5
Pairs are exceptionally defensive around eggs and fry and can dominate much larger tankmates. Keeping one fish is simpler; breeding pairs need their own space or a very carefully planned large setup.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
180 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Alternative names
Zebra Cichlid
Native range
Central America, principally Atlantic and Pacific drainages from Guatemala through Honduras and El Salvador.
Natural habitat
Occupies streams, creeks and shallows with rock, rubble and cover. In aquaria use sand or fine gravel with caves and robust structures.
Diet & feeding
Use a quality complete cichlid food with varied frozen/live invertebrates and plant-based components.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males grow larger and often develop longer fins and a nuchal hump; females are smaller and usually show orange/red abdominal colour.
Breeding
Prolific biparental cave/substrate spawner. A pair may produce large clutches repeatedly and both parents defend free-swimming fry.