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 it is not a community fish. Convicts are territorial year round and turn violent while breeding, taking on fish several times their 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. Dried cichlid pellets and flakes, with occasional frozen or live food, keep them in 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.