{"product_id":"convict-cichlid-amatitlania-nigrofasciata","title":"Convict Cichlid | Amatitlania nigrofasciata","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Convict is the ultimate gateway cichlid: hardy, bold, endlessly breeding and full of attitude in a compact package that reaches around 12–15 cm. Boldly barred and feisty, it is brilliant for learning cichlid-keeping, but be warned that it is genuinely aggressive, especially when breeding, and will bully or kill unsuitable tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmatitlania nigrofasciata is native to the streams, rivers and lakes of Central America, from Guatemala to Panama, where it lives among rocks and submerged wood in warm, moderately hard water. It shelters and spawns in crevices and caves and defends a territory vigorously. Rockwork, caves, robust decor and neutral to hard water recreate its home.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA stocky, oval cichlid patterned with bold vertical black bars over a blue-grey to cream body, giving the 'convict' look. Males grow larger with longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins, while breeding females develop a distinctive orange-pink flush on the belly. Colour and barring intensify with maturity, mood and especially during spawning.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTemperament is semi-aggressive to outright aggressive, particularly once paired and breeding, when a pair will take on fish several times their size to defend eggs and fry. It is best kept as a single pair in a species tank, or with robust, similarly bold cichlids and tank mates in a large aquarium with plenty of broken sightlines. It is far too pugnacious for a peaceful community.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn unfussy omnivore that eagerly takes quality cichlid pellets and flake, supplemented with frozen and live foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp, and some vegetable matter. Feed a varied diet in modest amounts to keep it in good condition without fouling the water. Its bold appetite makes feeding easy and mealtimes entertaining.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum aquarium of around 115 L for a single pair, with larger tanks needed if kept with other cichlids. Keep temperature at 24–28 °C, pH 6.5–8.0 and GH neutral to hard, around 9–20. Use robust rockwork and caves, secure any decor, and provide good filtration and regular water changes. It is not plant safe, as it readily digs, rearranges and uproots plants, especially when breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreeding is famously easy, which is part of the fish's charm and its challenge. A compatible pair spawns readily in a cave or on a flat rock, and both parents guard the eggs and shepherd the fry with fierce devotion. Broods are large and frequent, so have a plan for the many fry, as suitable homes fill up fast.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmatitlania nigrofasciata\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConvict Cichlid (Zebra Cichlid)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCentral America (Guatemala to Panama)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 12–15 cm (males larger than females)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8–10 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-aggressive to aggressive (especially breeding)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner (hardy, but aggressive)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e115 L for a pair\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore: cichlid pellets, flake, frozen and live foods, some greens\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5–8.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeutral to hard, around 9–20 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCichlid tanks; a hardy first cichlid for a species setup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo (digs and uproots plants)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include other robust Central American cichlids, larger, tough characters that can hold their own, and in a big tank, sizeable catfish such as a common pleco. A single pair in a species tank is often the best option.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with peaceful community fish, small or slow species, long-finned fish, and anything that cannot escape a breeding pair's aggression. Never underestimate how much damage this small cichlid can do when guarding fry.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232806551843,"sku":"AA2960","price":17.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232806584611,"sku":null,"price":22.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232806617379,"sku":null,"price":27.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Convict_Cichlid_abba0571-fcea-4914-8fa7-cd46dd2ecb34.jpg?v=1781699410","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/convict-cichlid-amatitlania-nigrofasciata","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}