Convict cichlid

The convict cichlid is one of the most ubiquitous and adaptable fish in the aquarium hobby. Widely distributed across Central America from Guatemala to Panama, it inhabits a remarkable variety of environments from flowing rivers to ponds and lakes, always staying close to cover. This hardiness and ease of breeding make it a popular choice, but the convict is emphatically not a community fish — it is aggressive, highly territorial, and becomes downright violent during breeding, taking on fish several times its size.

A single pair requires a tank with base dimensions of at least 90cm x 30cm (approximately 81 litres), furnished with rocks, bogwood, and flowerpot caves to provide hiding spots and potential spawning sites. The fish are avid diggers and may uproot plants, so robust or floating vegetation is recommended. They thrive across a wide temperature range but 24-28°C is ideal for long-term care, with pH 6.0-8.0 and moderately hard water on the alkaline side.

Diet is unfussy — quality dried cichlid pellets, flakes, and occasional frozen or live foods keep them in prime condition. Breeding is straightforward: a compatible pair will spawn readily, with the female tending eggs while the male patrols the territory aggressively. Fry hatch in 3-4 days and are fiercely guarded for several weeks. The convict is an excellent choice for the aquarist interested in observing natural cichlid parental behaviour, but requires a species-only setup or very robust tankmates.