Convict cichlid

Care at a glance

The convict cichlid is notorious for two things: it breeds under almost any conditions, and it defends its nest against anything that moves. A pair in an average tank can produce so many young within a year that you have a rehoming problem — think that through in advance.

Outside the breeding season it is a strong, active fish that asks almost nothing of water or food. During breeding that changes: the pair claims a large part of the tank and drives everything off, including much larger fish. So keep it in a spacious tank with solid decor and tankmates that can retreat, or simply as a species tank.

Good to know

• Territorial

Best not combined with

• AngelfishPterophyllum scalare
• DiscusSymphysodon sp.

Related species

• Electric yellow labLabidochromis caeruleus
• OscarAstronotus ocellatus
• Bolivian ramMikrogeophagus altispinosus
• Paradise fishMacropodus opercularis
• Cockatoo dwarf cichlidApistogramma cacatuoides
• Sparkling gouramiTrichopsis pumila