The convict cichlid is one of the most popular species of cichlid you can find. Due to their unique look and straightforward care requirements, it’s only natural that they’re a go-to option for many freshwater aquarists.
We’re a big fan of these fish and recommend them to anyone looking to take the next step into intermediate territory. While convict cichlids are definitely not an “expert-only” species, there are a few things you’ll need to be aware of as an owner (namely their potential for aggression).
The average convict cichlid lifespan is roughly 8 to 10 years. There have been plenty of instances where these fish have exceeded this range, but that’s the average assuming proper care is given.
The average convict cichlid size is around 4-5 inches when fully grown. These fish are rather small compared to other cichlid species. The advantage of this is it means you can keep them in smaller tanks than other species as well.
With that being said, it’s important to know their ideal parameters backward and forward. There’s always a sweet spot you should aim for!