Yellow Convict Cichlid Breeding Pair (3-4.5”)

Scientific Name

Amatitlania nanolutea

Maximum Size and Lifespan

• Size: Around 3.5–5 inches

• Lifespan: Typically 6–8 years in captivity with good care.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a pair; larger tanks 40gallons+ recommended if keeping multiple pairs or community setups.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)

  • pH: 6.8–8.0
    

• Water Changes: Perform 25–30% weekly to maintain optimal water quality and stable conditions.

• Aquascaping: Provide rocky caves, driftwood, and hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat. They enjoy a sandy or fine-gravel substrate and moderate water flow.

• Care Notes: Hardy and adaptable, though still territorial, especially in breeding mode.

Tankmates

• Best kept with robust Central/South American cichlids of similar size or temperament. Severum and Geophagus are great larger cichlids that do well with them

• Can also coexist with larger tetras, rainbowfish, or armored catfish (plecos, certain doradids).

• Avoid delicate or small species (like guppies or neon tetras), as well as slow-moving fish that may be harassed/eaten

Diet

• Omnivorous: Accepts a wide variety of foods.

  • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.

  • Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and chopped shrimp

  • Spirulina based foods for a well balanced diet

• Feed once or twice daily in small amounts. Variety ensures bright coloration and good health.

Overview

Amatitlania nanolutea is a beautiful small Central American cichlid known for its golden-yellow coloration and bold personality. Unlike the common convict cichlid, this species stays smaller, making it easier to house in medium-sized aquariums. It is hardy, adaptable, and relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent introduction to Central American cichlids for aquarists with some experience. Territorial behavior should be expected, especially during spawning.

Natural Environment

This species is endemic to Panama, where it inhabits clear, rocky streams and rivers with moderate to strong current. The substrate is typically a mix of sand, rocks, and leaf litter. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter, which explains their omnivorous diet in aquariums.

Breeding

• Breeding Difficulty: Relatively easy once a pair is established.

• Pairing: Monogamous pairs form naturally, and bonded pairs will aggressively defend a territory.

• Spawning Site: Eggs are usually laid in caves, crevices, or on flat rocks.

• Parental Care: Female guards and tends to the eggs, while the male defends the perimeter.

• Development: Eggs hatch in about 3 days; fry become free-swimming in 5–7 days. Both parents typically care for the fry for several weeks.

• Note: Because they breed readily, a backup plan for fry management is recommended.

• Feed babies live baby brine shrimp and hikari first bites