The aquarium should be decorated to mimic the natural environment and include rocks and artificial caves for breeding.
Most experts agree that a pair of convicts should be kept in a 20-gallon aquarium or larger.
The species is an unfussy omnivore and most types of prepared fish foods are readily accepted.
The species also consumes aquatic plants so plastic plants or robust plants such as java fern or water sprite are recommended.
 Convict cichlids are aggressively territorial during breeding and pairs are best kept alone.
Brood care is reduced in aquarium strains.
Due to the species' tendency to dig, external filtration is superior to undergravel filter systems.
Its relatively small size, along with ease of keeping and breeding, make the convict an ideal cichlid for beginners and advanced aquarists alike interested in observing pair bonds and brood care.
The aquarium should be decorated to mimic the natural environment and include rocks and artificial caves for breeding. Most experts agree that a pair of convicts should be kept in a 20-gallon aquarium or larger. The species is an unfussy omnivore and most types of prepared fish foods are readily accepted. The species also consumes aquatic plants so plastic plants or robust plants such as java fern or water sprite are recommended.  Convict cichlids are aggressively territorial during breeding and pairs are best kept alone. Brood care is reduced in aquarium strains. Due to the species' tendency to dig, external filtration is superior to undergravel filter systems. Its relatively small size, along with ease of keeping and breeding, make the convict an ideal cichlid for beginners and advanced aquarists alike interested in observing pair bonds and brood care.
Convict cichlid