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Convict cichlid tank mates

Convict tank mates look fine until the pair bonds. Before spawning they may share a hard-water community with tough livebearers and similarly sized Central Americans; after spawning they clear a territory measured in whole tanks. Soft-water tetras and anything neon-sized are food or targets. Stock as if breeding will happen, because with convicts it usually does.

Common mistakeAdding peaceful community fish after a bonded convict pair forms is how keepers invent a war zone at the first spawn. Easy to keep is not easy to live with. Plan a species or robust Central American setup — or skip the pair if you wanted a mixed community.

Evidence: partially verified
Confidence: high

Each name below opens a pair check with Convict cichlid. That check is the decision, not the list itself.

← Full Convict cichlid profile·Compatibility checker·Tank builder·More cichlid

Usually safer companions

Conservative shortlist from this profile. Open a pair page before you buy.

  • Electric Blue AcaraPair check

    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.

  • SwordtailPair check

    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

May work with more water, a mature system, or a species-only setup. Read the pair page before you experiment.

  • Boesemani RainbowfishOpen pair check

    Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.

  • Corydoras CatfishOpen pair check

    Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.

  • Dwarf GouramiOpen pair check

    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.

  • German Blue RamOpen pair check

    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.

  • GuppyOpen pair check

    Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.

  • MollyOpen pair check

    Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.

  • Neon TetraOpen pair check

    Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.

Fish to avoid with Convict cichlid

Predation, aggression, or space rules on this profile. Treat these as poor default mixes.

  • BettaSee why (pair)

    Betta conflicts with Convict cichlid on temperament, predation, or footprint. The juvenile size in a shop tank is not the figure that matters here.

  • Chili RasboraSee why (pair)

    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.

  • Ember TetraSee why (pair)

    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.

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

Hardier first-tank names from the library. Still read the profile. Not a substitute for reading this one.

Plan before you buy

Start a pair check with Convict cichlid, or open a starter plan with the top safer companions in the builder.

Open pair checkerOpen this plan in builder

Tank hubs: 200L

Related reading

Guides that list other fish with the same trait, so you can plan around the group rather than one row.

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.

Filter size guide →Heater size guide →Tank setup checklist →Beginner plants guide →

Similar fish (same category)

Related (care + temperament)

Featured compatibility checks

Curated pair pages for Convict cichlid. Each opens a full verdict — not just a list label.

Convict cichlid tank mates — quick answers

What fish can live with Convict cichlid?
Usually safer companions on this hub include Electric Blue Acara, Swordtail. Open each pair check before you buy — the list is a shortlist, not a guarantee.
What tank mates should you avoid with Convict cichlid?
Avoid Betta, Chili Rasbora, Ember Tetra based on size, temperament, or predation risk on this profile.
What size tank do Convict cichlid need for a community?
100 L for a pair. 200 L or more if you want any other tank-mates to survive long-term.