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Ah, the Convict Cichlid. This is one of the more difficult fish to find a tankmate for. They are aggressive and territorial and are extremely prolific breeders. In this blog post, we do all the research for you so you can choose the best Convict Cichlid Tank Mates for your aquarium. Ready to get started? Let me provide a quick summary first:
Key Takeaways
- Convict Cichlid need a sizable tank to diffuse their aggressive behavior. They to shoot for at least 55 gallons when considering tank mates
- Tankmates should be as large, larger, or near the same size and very fast
- Some great tank mates include Severums, Firemouths, and Jack Dempsey fish
Understanding Them
Known as Zebra Cichlids, Convict Cichlids are aggressive fish that tend to be territorial. In the wild, they usually inhabit bigger rivers and streams near rocks and branches that have been sunken for shelter. These omnivorous creatures can reach up to 6 inches in size with nine black stripes across a paler body, sometimes showing hints of pinkish hue.
Behavior And Temperament
When considering tankmates for Convict Cichlids, it can be tricky due to their highly territorial nature. It is usually advised against keeping them in community tanks with other incompatible fish species as this may cause aggression issues. To create a more calming environment, there should also be plenty of hiding places within the space, plus decorations. As these fish are heavy breeders, it’s best to keep them as a solo species in a tank with other fish. The added aggression when the breed can be too much for many other fish.
Ideal Tank Requirements And Parameters
When caring for Convict Cichlids, it is essential to provide the ideal tank environment. The optimal conditions include a pH between 6.5 – 8.0, water temperature of 74-84°F and hardness at 9-20 dkH. This wide range of parameters give you a ton of options when it comes to potential tankmates. However, we have to keep in mind the other fish’s nature and size.
The Top 15 Convict Cichlid Tank Mates
Finding suitable tank mates for your Convict Cichlids is no simple task, so we’ve made a list of the best options to choose from. We took into account compatibility, size, temperament, and needs when selecting these fish – from peaceful bottom dwellers as well as more vibrant semi-aggressive freshwater fish species, can be found in this carefully crafted selection.
No matter, if you need something calm or aggressive for your cichlid tank setup, our top picks are sure to have what you’re looking for!
1. Severum
- Scientific Name: Heros severus
- Adult Size: 8 inches
- Water Temperature: 75°F to 84°F
- Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – Bottom to mid
Severum, a South American cichlid species known for its peaceful nature, can be kept in the same tank as Convicts. To keep both fish happy and content, it’s crucial to create several distinct hiding places and territories within the aquarium. Although these Cichlids usually tolerate one another well, Convicts may show aggression towards other types of fish, so close observation is recommended when introducing new specimens.
The Severum can sometimes act as a peacekeeper if they become the dominant fish in the tank, which is a high probability if all other fish are smaller than them. Fortunately, the Severum handles its top dog status with grace!
2. Electric Blue Acara
- Scientific Name: Andinoacara pulcher
- Adult Size: 6 inches
- Water Temperature: 74°F to 82°F
- Minimum tank size: 40 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – Hybrid
- Swimming Level – Middle to Bottom
The Electric Blue Acara is a hybrid cichlid that makes for an ideal Convict Cichlid tank mate due to their similar size and care requirements. Renowned for its docile behavior, this colorful, stunning fish can add visual beauty as well being able to stand up to your Convict’s aggression.
That being said, you should keep close watch over them in case any signs of aggression begin developing between the two species. Your best chances would be if the Acara is larger and is introduced first into the display tank.
3. Green Terror
- Scientific Name: Andinoacara rivulatus
- Adult Size: 12 inches
- Water Temperature: 72°F to 80°F
- Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – All
The Green Terror is a cichlid that boasts beautiful colors and an aggressive demeanor, which, when given ample room to swim as well as hiding areas, can make it the ideal tankmate for convict cichlids.
Despite their combative personality, having them present in your aquarium could be beneficial by shifting their aggression away from any other fish co-inhabiting the environment. Make sure you provide enough space so these vibrant swimmers can remain healthy and thrive. Supplying havens for both fish will help them find security while allowing others to dwell peacefully beside them without fear of danger or attack.
The Green Terror is generally more aggressive than the Convict, so you should introduce it after the convict. You need at least a 75 gallon tank to ensure the highest chance of success.
4. Pleco Fish
- Scientific Name: Various
- Adult Size: 4 – 12 inches +
- Water Temperature: 72°F to 79°F
- Minimum tank size: 40+ gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Herbivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – Bottom
Pleco Fish make great tankmates for Convict Cichlids since they provide algae control and eat up leftover food. They have armor on their scales that can take a beating, though generally they are left alone as long as you get at least a medium sized species like a Bristle nose or Tiger Pleco.
To guarantee a healthy habitat for them, it’s best to have plenty of places where they can take refuge while still having adequate space in the cichlid tank. Your main issue here is not select a Pleco species that gets extremely large, like a common pleco. Stick to the medium sized species, and you should be good to go!
5. Large Tetras
- Scientific Name: Various
- Adult Size: 2 – 4 inches
- Water Temperature: 72°F to 82°F
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Herbivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – Bottom
Large schooling fish, such as Tetras, can be suitable tankmates for Convict Cichlids if the right breeds are selected. The large breed are not only big enough not to be eaten, but their activity will have them act as dither fish in the environment. This will help bring out your Cichlid in the open more, and their ability to swim away quickly will allow both species of fish to coexist peacefully. For recommended breeds, look for the following at stores:
- Congo Tetra
- Bleeding Heart Tetra
- Columbian Tetra
- Buenos Aires Tetra
Their active presence in the aquarium adds activity that may even help reduce any hostility between other tankmates. It is necessary to provide plenty of room and hiding places for these peaceful fish so they are able to feel comfortable and safe from aggression by others within the same habitat. As schooling fish, they need to be purchased in groups. They will need at least a school of 15 to keep from getting singled out by your Convict Cichlid.
6. Sajica (T Bar)
- Scientific Name: Cryptoheros sajica
- Adult Size: 5 inches
- Water Temperature: 75°F to 82°F
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – Central America
- Swimming Level – Bottom to Mid
T Bar Cichlids (video source) are considered semi-peaceful central American cichlids, which makes them a suitable tankmate for Convict Cichlids since they share similar size and disposition. If confronted by larger fish, these cichlid species will stand up to defend themselves.
To ensure an environment where both varieties can live harmoniously, provide ample hiding places in the community tank while maintaining proper water parameters that suit all inhabitants of this aquatic space.
7. Salvini
- Scientific Name: Cichlasoma salvini
- Adult Size: 8 inches
- Water Temperature: 75°F to79°F
- Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – Mid
The Salvini Cichlids are known to be a colorful and somewhat belligerent breed, though they can coexist with Convict Cichlids if the tank is large enough and has hiding spaces. These eye-catching fish make aquariums look lovely while also claiming their own territories.
A balanced diet that includes brine shrimp and blood worms should be served up for both types of cichlids so as not to stir any conflict between them. Monitoring how they interact will help create an atmosphere of peace in the environment. The Salvini cichlid is more aggressive and should be added after the Convict.
8. Firemouth (Thorichthys meeki)
- Scientific Name: Thorichthys meeki
- Adult Size: 6 inches
- Water Temperature: 75°F to 86°F
- Minimum tank size: 40 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – Central America
- Swimming Level – Bottom to Mid
The Firemouth Cichlid is the perfect tankmate when kept with Convict Cichlids. They can make for an entertaining aquarium thanks to their vivid colors. They are both of similar temperament and while they may chase each other, oftentimes no harm will come from it as long as you plan to have a 4 foot long tank or longer.
To avoid any potential conflict between the two types of cichlids, it is recommended that plenty of places to hide be provided to maintain suitable water parameters for both species. This should ensure all inhabitants have access to what they need while creating a peaceful atmosphere in the tank environment as well.
Both Firemouth Cichlids and Convicts are readily available and easy to purchase together if you are shopping around.
9. Pictus Catfish
- Scientific Name: Pimelodus pictus
- Adult Size: 5 inches
- Water Temperature: 75°F to 82°F
- Minimum tank size: 75 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – Bottom
The Pictus Catfish are mild-mannered, active aquatic creatures that can be suitable companions for Convicts Cichlids since both require similar environments. Despite being bottom feeders, their serene demeanor and swift movement make them a perfect fit to exist in harmony with the cichlids without causing any major disruptions.
They should be kept in a sizable group to keep them from getting singled out. Except to house them in a larger tank to accommodate everyone.
10. Nicaraguan (Hypsophrys nicaraguensis)
- Scientific Name: Hypsophrys nicaraguensis
- Adult Size: 8 inches (female), 10 inches (male)
- Water Temperature: 74°F to 80°F
- Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – Central America
- Swimming Level – Bottom to Mid
The Nicaraguan Cichlid is known for its vibrant colors and moderately aggressive nature, making it a compatible tankmate in the same environment as Convicts. The females (video source) are smaller than the males, but are also colorful. This species of fish is considered to be quite sturdy, so caring for them will not require particular attention when it comes to water parameters. They are able to defend themselves against the aggression of the Convict Cichlid.
Despite their potentially territorial attitude towards other small fish they can fit inside their mouths, these pretty-looking creatures won’t likely be antagonistic toward Convicts if both have enough space.
11. Jack Dempsey
- Scientific Name: Rocio octofasciata
- Adult Size: 10 inches
- Water Temperature: 75°F to 86°F
- Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
- Care Level: Intermediate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – Central America
- Swimming Level – All levels
The Jack Dempsey is an eye-catching, slower cichlid that can be kept together with Convict Cichlids in the same tank, although this arrangement might not suit beginners. Adequate space and shelter need to be provided for both kinds of fish so they do not feel threatened around one another. It’s recommended to keep a watch on how things unfold between them, as Jack Dempseys may become aggressive if disturbed or challenged by other fish species.
12. Clown Loaches
- Scientific Name: Chromobotia macracanthus
- Adult Size: 12 inches
- Water Temperature: 75°F to 86°F
- Minimum tank size: 75 gallons
- Care Level: Intermediate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – Indonesia
- Swimming Level – Bottom
Clown Loaches are lively, sizable, and vivid creatures that bring a lot of animation to the fish tank. They get along peacefully with Convict Cichlids and like to spend most of their time hiding near the bottom of aquariums. However, due to their very large size and their schooling requirement, they need a large tank to house both species.
If the right tank is provided, but can successfully coexist without aggression issues.
13. Oscar Fish
- Scientific Name: Astronotus spp.
- Adult Size: 12+ inches
- Water Temperature: 74°F to 81°F
- Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
- Care Level: Intermediate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – South America
- Swimming Level – Bottom to middle
Oscar fish are intelligent yet aggressive creatures that have the potential to be compatible tankmates with Convict Cichlids if they can occupy sufficient living space and have ample hideouts. As these curious swimmers tend to explore their environments thoroughly though greater care must be taken when housing them.
This is one of the more iffy combinations, which the highest risk being that the Oscar gets so large that it may eat the Convict. Other times, the Convict may bully the Oscar, even is the Oscar is larger. Careful observation is a must if you are going to attempt this.
14. Giant Danios
- Scientific Name: Danio aequipinnatus
- Adult Size: 4 inches
- Water Temperature: 72°F to 75°F
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – India
- Swimming Level – Bottom to middle
Giant Danios, as schooling fish that swim rapidly, can inhabit the same aquarium with Convict Cichlids and introduce activity. This helps to avoid disputes among aggressive types of fish by giving them a diversion instead. For both these species’ welfare in harmony, provide enough space for hiding places inside the tank plus maintain suitable water temperature levels specific to their needs. They should be kept in larger numbers to keep the Convict cichlid active.
15. Honduran Red Point
- Scientific Name: Amatitlania siquia
- Adult Size: 5 inches
- Water Temperature: 70°F to 82°F
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet – Omnivore
- Origin – Central America
- Swimming Level – Bottom to middle
The Honduran Red Point Cichlid (video source) offers red to orange fins and black bars similar to its cousin, the Convict Cichlid. Like the convict, they are known for producing a large amount of offspring. It is best to keep a single species when housing with a Convict to prevent any aggression issues. While they are less aggressive, they have no problem standing up to your Convict if it does display aggression behaviors.
Honorable Mentions
Here are fish that could work with Convicts, but require more substance to write about in order to provide proper guidance. When I’m able to write more about them, I’ll link to their respective articles:
- Tiger Barbs
- African Cichlids
- Jewel Cichlid
Fish Species To Avoid
When deciding which tank mates to select for Convict Cichlids, it is necessary to mention certain fish species that should be avoided. These kinds of fish may either be too small or overly aggressive. To help out, here are some bad choices to add:
- Wolf Cichlid
- Jaguar Cichlid
- Small schooling nano fish
- Any fish that can fit in their mouths
- Betta fish
- Discus fish
Tips For Creating A Stress Fish Aquarium
When setting up an aquarium for Convict Cichlids and their tankmates, it’s important to plan carefully and understand the individual needs of each species. The best way to ensure that everyone remains safe is by allowing sufficient swimming space while also providing multiple hiding places like caves, rocks, or plants – this will reduce any possible aggression between them.
Aside from there, here are a few quick tip to increase your chances of success:
- Plan on at least a 4 foot long tank when housing Convicts and other fish species
- Introduce the least aggressive fish first and the most aggressive fish last
- Consider placing your convict fish in a breeding container when first introduced to observe interactions the first few days
- Always have a backup plan – whether returning the fish to the fish store or giving the fish to a friend
Frequently Asked Questions
Can convict cichlids live with other fish?
Convict cichlids can be tricky to house in community tanks due to their aggressive nature. They are known for bullying and even harming other fish which are not as feisty, while they themselves become intimidated by more threatening species. To keep the environment stress free, it is recommended that these particular cichlids either live alone or with similarly combative aquatic pals. This way everyone can swim happily together!
How aggressive are convict cichlids?
Convict cichlids are known for their aggressive and territorial nature, often forming stable breeding pairs. By offering places of refuge to these fish, it is possible to decrease this type of behavior which usually manifests itself as chasing and biting. This change in environment can ensure a more tranquil atmosphere that allows the monogamous pair-bond formation so important during spawning season.
What type of fish make the best tank mates for Convict Cichlids?
Convict Cichlids can make great tank mates with fish of similar size, temperament and care requirements such as Green Terrors, Pictus Catfish, Clown Loach or Giant Danios – this makes for excellent ‘mates’ in the same tank.
How can I reduce aggression in my Convict Cichlid tank?
The proper environment is a critical factor for successful Convict Cichlid tank maintenance. To reduce aggression, it’s important to provide plenty of hiding spots and maintain the right water parameters in the aquarium. Creating an atmosphere that is stress-free with sufficient space also can help foster peace among fish inhabiting the cichlid tank.
What are the ideal water parameters for Convict Cichlids?
Have Convict Cichlids requires that you create the right environment for them to thrive. You should aim for a pH between 6.5-7.5, an optimal temperature of 75-80°F and a hardness from 5-15 dGH in your tank water, these are essential parameters needed to guarantee their healthiness and wellness. Make sure all conditions meet these standards so that your fish can benefit fully!
How Many Convict Cichlids Can I Keep In A Tank?
It is recommended if you want to mix convicts with other fish that you only keep one in the tank. This is because they breed a lot and will get aggressive when breeding. Many fish aren’t able to withstand their aggression, and they will fight bigger fish that could cause harm to both fish and infections. Keep multiple convicts only if you want to breed them.
Closing Thoughts
Finding the perfect tank mates for your Convict Cichlids may be challenging, but with careful consideration and planning, you can create a harmonious environment for all the fish in your aquarium. From peaceful bottom-dwellers like Pleco Fish and Clown Loaches to colorful and moderately aggressive fish like Green Terror and Nicaraguan Cichlid, there’s a suitable tankmate for every Convict Cichlid owner. By understanding their behavior, providing adequate space, hiding spots, and maintaining proper water parameters, you can create a thriving aquarium that both you and your fish will enjoy.
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I’m thrilled that you found Aquarium Store Depot! Here you’ll find information on fish, aquariums, and all things aquatics related. I’m a hobbyist (being doing this since I was 11) and here to help other hobbyists thrive with their aquariums! I adhere to a high quality Editorial Process and Review products with real life field usage and practical analysis.
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