Convict Cichlid Care: The Hardy (Feisty) Beginner Cichlid

Jaqline Smalling

August 25, 2026

Convict cichlids are the tank you remember — bold, characterful, near-indestructible, and famous for breeding at the drop of a hat. They’re one of the best cichlids for a beginner ready to move beyond a community tank, with one big caveat: they are feisty and territorial, especially when breeding. This UK guide covers convict cichlid care.

Here’s how to keep them.

Key Takeaways

Convict cichlids are extremely hardy and adaptable — a great step up from community fish.
They are feisty and territorial, especially a breeding pair.
Keep a pair in 110 litres-plus with caves and strong filtration.
They breed prolifically — have a plan for the fry before keeping them.

Last reviewed: August 2026 · Written by Jaqline Smalling

Quick facts

Adult size: 10–15 cm
Tank size: 110 litres for a pair
Water: pH 6.5–8.0, 24–28 °C, very adaptable
Lifespan: 8–10 years
Temperament: hardy but aggressive, especially breeding

Hardy but feisty

Convicts tolerate a huge range of water conditions, which makes them very forgiving — but their temperament is the challenge. A breeding pair will defend their territory against anything, including much larger fish. Keep them in a species tank or with robust cichlids and plenty of caves to break up sightlines.

Tank setup and feeding

Give a pair at least 110 litres with a good filter (cichlids are messy), caves and hardy or plastic plants they won’t uproot. Feed a quality cichlid pellet with frozen supplements.

Breeding warning

Convicts breed extremely readily and are devoted parents — which means you’ll soon have dozens of fry and nowhere for them to go. Have a plan before you keep a pair, as rehoming convict fry is notoriously hard. See beginner cichlids for gentler options.

Frequently asked questions

Are convict cichlids good for beginners?

Yes, for a beginner ready to move beyond a community tank — they're among the hardiest, most adaptable cichlids. Their feisty, territorial temperament is the main thing to manage.

What size tank do convict cichlids need?

At least 110 litres for a pair, with strong filtration and caves. More space and broken sightlines help manage their territorial aggression.

Do convict cichlids breed easily?

Extremely — they breed readily and are devoted parents, quickly producing dozens of fry. Have a rehoming plan first, as convict fry are notoriously hard to place.

— Jaqline Smalling, FishForever