Convict cichlid tank mates
Easy to breed is the headline. The problem is that a bonded pair will overrun your tank and bully every neighbour relentlessly.
Lists below are built from this species record (safest, best with, risky, unsafe) — each link opens a pair-level check, not a guarantee.
Best tank mates (on file)
Merged from conservative safest and best with fields — de-duplicated by species.
The Convict cichlid profile lists Boesemani Rainbowfish as both safe and a recommended pairing. Boesemani Rainbowfish schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.
The Convict cichlid profile lists Corydoras Catfish as both safe and a recommended pairing. Corydoras Catfish schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.
The Convict cichlid profile lists Electric Blue Acara as a recommended pairing. Electric Blue Acara is a semi-aggressive intermediate-care species with a 150L minimum. Run the pair checker for your specific tank before stocking.
The Convict cichlid profile lists Molly as both safe and a recommended pairing. Molly is a peaceful beginner-care species with a 80L minimum. Run the pair checker for your specific tank before stocking.
The Convict cichlid profile lists Swordtail as both safe and a recommended pairing. Swordtail is a semi-aggressive beginner-care species with a 80L minimum. Run the pair checker for your specific tank before stocking.
Risky or situational
From risky tank mates and broad avoid with (excluding “unsafe” below). May work with species-only setups, more water, or mature systems — read the pair page.
Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.
Both species defend territory. The pairing needs a long footprint and rockwork or planting that breaks the sightline between two defended spots. Run the pair checker before stocking.
Both species defend territory. The pairing needs a long footprint and rockwork or planting that breaks the sightline between two defended spots. Betta is rated semi-aggressive, so expect chasing, fin damage, or display behaviour directed at Convict cichlid. Run the pair checker before stocking.
Fish to avoid with Convict cichlid
From the unsafe list — predation, aggression, or space rules on this profile.
Convict cichlid is flagged as predatory or as likely to eat small fish, and Chili Rasbora at 2cm is well within an adult Convict cichlid's gape.
Convict cichlid is flagged as predatory or as likely to eat small fish, and Guppy at 5cm is well within an adult Convict cichlid's gape.
Convict cichlid is flagged as predatory or as likely to eat small fish, and Ember Tetra at 2cm is well within an adult Convict cichlid's gape.
German Blue Ram conflicts with Convict cichlid on temperament, predation, or footprint. The juvenile size in a shop tank is not the figure that matters here.
Tank size and groups
- Published minimum for Convict cichlid: 200L — group minimum 2 .
- Compatibility changes when the tank is too short for turning, too little for a real school, or too warm for one species and not the other — that is why pair checks include tank context, not only temperament.
- Nearest litre hub to this minimum: 200L hub.
Easier alternatives to consider
Conservative beginner-peaceful picks from the library — not replacements for reading, but a shorter on-ramp than this species for a first tank.
Plan before you buy
Pair checks for every mix, then multi-species stocking in the builder.
Filtration & heating
A 200L minimum tank for Convict cichlid needs a filter rated for at least 800L/hr turnover and a heater maintaining 22–30°C.
Similar fish (same category)
- African Cichlid — min 200L
- Discus — min 200L
- Firemouth Cichlid — min 200L
- Jack Dempsey — min 200L
- Keyhole cichlid — min 200L
- Rainbow cichlid — min 200L
- Angelfish — min 150L
- Electric Blue Acara — min 150L