Origin
Native to rivers and streams in Central America — primarily Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and El Salvador — where they thrive in rocky, flowing environments with cover.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Named for their striped “prison uniform” look, Convicts are compact, muscular fish with noticeable color changes during breeding. Males grow larger with longer fins; females often have orange bellies.

Purpose
Popular for cichlid behavior observation, breeding projects, and educational tanks. Their defensive, intelligent nature adds movement and complexity to appropriate setups.

Importance
One of the most beginner-friendly cichlids. Helps aquarists learn about pairing, territory, and fry care. Also acts as a tough, low-cost option for semi-aggressive tanks.

Included Resources
Needs rocks or caves for territory and breeding. Standard heater and filter required. Benefits from moderate current and clean substrate.

Best Use Cases
Works well in cichlid-only tanks, species breeding setups, and hardy community tanks with assertive tankmates. Not suitable for peaceful fish communities.

Conservation Context
Not threatened in the wild. In fact, considered invasive in some regions due to aquarium releases. Best kept responsibly in enclosed systems.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Firemouth or Salvini cichlids
• Giant danios
• Rainbowfish (larger types)
• Larger plecos
• Avoid small or delicate fish

Region (A)
• Latitude: 14.6349° N
• Longitude: -90.5069° W
(Guatemala Highlands stream systems)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 10.4673° N
• Longitude: -84.6452° W
(Central Costa Rican rivers)