Amatitlania nigrofasiata

The Convict Cichlid, also known as the Zebra Cichlid, is a popular fish from Central America, well-known for its striking personality. Growing to about 10-15 cm, it requires a freshwater aquarium of at least 80 liters to provide adequate space. These are active fish that primarily inhabit the middle and bottom levels of the tank. They are quite hardy, thriving in a range of water conditions, including temperatures between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius and a broad pH spectrum. As omnivores, they are not picky eaters and will readily accept a variety of common fish foods like flakes and pellets, which should be offered daily. One of their most notorious behaviors is digging in the substrate and uprooting plants, so it's wise to choose robust plants or opt for a setup with rocks and wood instead. While their care is rated as medium difficulty, this is mainly due to their territorial nature. They can be aggressive towards tank mates, especially in smaller spaces or when breeding, which they do very easily. Their high waste output also means that good filtration and regular water changes are essential to keep them healthy for their potential 10-year lifespan.