Why Convicts
Amatitlania nigrofasciata is the perfect introductory cichlid. Hardy, colorful (in their understated way), small (4–5 inches), tolerant of imperfect water, and they breed in nearly any setup.
They also become aggressive parents that defend a 2-foot territory like Rottweilers. Plan your tank accordingly.
Tank Setup
Minimum 30-gallon for a pair. 55-gallon for community with other Central American cichlids.
Driftwood, caves (terracotta pots, slate caves), sand or fine gravel. Plants get uprooted.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 74–82°F.
pH: 6.6–7.8.
GH: 9–20.
Very tolerant — almost any tap water works.
Breeding
Pair forms naturally from a group of 4–6 juveniles. Pair becomes inseparable and fiercely territorial.
Female lays 100–300 eggs in a cave. Both parents fan and defend. Fry free-swimming at 5–7 days.
Convicts will spawn every 3–6 weeks indefinitely. A pair produces hundreds of fry per year — most hobbyists end up with surplus.
Color Varieties
Black convict (wild type, black-and-white striped).
Pink convict (albino-like cream-and-pink, captive-bred).
Calico convict (mottled pink-black).
All varieties interbreed and produce mixed offspring.