Family: Cichlidae
Black Convict Cichlid — a Cichlidae from Central and North America, assertive but manageable with space and structure. Reaches 7.5–11 cm; singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. 23.2–32.8 °C.
Amatitlania nigrofasciata, a member of the family Cichlidae, comes from Central and North America, where it inhabits lakes and slow rivers with structure. Assertive but manageable with space and structure and accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety, it grows to 7.5–11 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 23.2–32.8 °C range. In a community tank it pairs well with Large robust catfish.
A moderate-level species: assertive but manageable with space and structure; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Hold 23.2–32.8 °C and keep it stable — 23.2–32.8 °C narrowed from occurrence records. Heater required for stable tropical warmth.
Expect 7.5–11 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 145 L tank or larger gives it room.
Accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety. It forages naturally over sand with rock piles, so let some food reach the bottom.
Assertive but manageable with space and structure; singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. Good company: Large robust catfish — Ignore the posturing below. Keep away from Small or timid fish — Bullied relentlessly.
Its home waters are Central and North America — lakes and slow rivers with structure, with still to gentle current.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
Cave or substrate spawner with prolonged parental care. Often striking; males larger and brighter.