The CONVICT!

Convict Cichlid

The Convict Cichlid is a popular freshwater tropical fish. They are called convicts because of their white and black contrasting patterns on their bodies. Males are larger and have longer dorsal fins, the females have the pink and orange colors in the belly region. There is also an albino convict cichlid as well. As an adult, they can reach 4 inches in length. Make sure to house in at least a 20 gallon fish tank.

If you have a male and female in the same tank, there is a good chance that they will breed. Make sure to follow the right water parameters below to increase this affect, if desired. Keep your convicts in a cichlid only tank and do not mix with peaceful, smaller fish. Feed them cichlid pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Check out convict cichlid care below for addition information!

Convict Cichlid Care

Scientific Name: Archocentrus nigrofasciatus
Natural Habitat: Guatemala, Central America.
Common Names: Convict Cichlid, Albino Cichlid, Zebra Cichlid.
Beginner Fish: Yes! Care level is easy.
Adult Size: Up to 4 inches.
Life Span: 8 – 10 Years.
Tank Mates: They should do well with other large cichlids. Don’t mix with community aquariums.
Tank Size: At least 20 gallons.
Tank Region: Bottom to middle of the tank.
Water Temperature: 70°F – 80°F
Water pH: 7 – 8
Feeding: They will accept flakes, cichlid pellets, frozen, and freeze dried foods.
Gender: Males are usually larger, with longer dorsal fins. Females have pink or orange on the belly.