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Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Convict cichlid live with Ember Tetra?

VerdictRISKY

Risky. This mix is commonly discouraged for typical setups.

Convict cichlid + Ember Tetra: Convict cichlid may eat Ember Tetra. Convict cichlid (12cm) is predatory and Ember Tetra (2cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe. Real tanks add variables Fishori cannot model; treat this as a high-risk read, not certainty.

Compatibility score

30/100

Profile confidence: medium

Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.

Min tank

200L

Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 200L (larger active fish often want more length).

Temperature
Range in °C2228°C shared
Convict cichlidEmber TetraShared window
pH
Range6.57 shared
Convict cichlidEmber TetraShared window
Size / predation

Convict cichlid (12cm adult) may treat small Ember Tetra (~2cm) as food once grown — plan adult sizes, not shop sizes.

Temperament / behaviour

Temperament gap (semi-aggressive vs peaceful) adds stress on top of the hard incompatibility — space and cover do not make this pairing safe.

Assessment details

  1. Temperament difference

    Convict cichlid is semi-aggressive, while Ember Tetra is peaceful. Expect chasing or stress unless the tank is large and heavily structured — monitor closely.

  2. Convict cichlid may eat Ember Tetra

    Top issue

    Convict cichlid (12cm) is predatory and Ember Tetra (2cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe.

  3. Compatible temperature range

    Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.

Convict cichlid (12cm) is predatory and Ember Tetra (2cm) is…

Convict cichlid may eat Ember Tetra

Next steps

Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.

  • Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Ember Tetra can escape if harassed.
  • Ember Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.

Try instead

  • Build a species-only tank for the larger fish, or restock with fish too large to be eaten at adult sizes.
Sources from both profiles
Only URLs that exist on the species records are shown. We do not fabricate citations.

Try this next

Build the full stocking list with Convict cichlid + Ember Tetra

Plan further

Check each species’ mates list, size the glass, then verify the full stock in the builder. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.

Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.

Profile data confidence: high. Checked against several solid care sources that mostly agree.