Can bettas live with convict cichlids?

Verdict
No

No. Bettas and convict cichlids should not share a tank. Convict cichlids are aggressive, and slow, long-finned bettas cannot escape them.

BettaBetta76–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5 Convict cichlidConvict cichlid74–82°F · pH 6.6–7.8

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 76–82°Betta 76–82°Convict cichlid 74–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.6–7.5Betta 6.5–7.5Convict cichlid 6.6–7.8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Betta · 2.5 inConvict cichlid · 5 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

BettaConvict cichlid
Temperature76–82 °F74–82 °F
pH6.5–7.56.6–7.8
Adult size2.5 in5.0 in
Minimum tank5 gal30 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressiveAggressive
Swims atTopBottom
GroupOne per tankAlone or in pairs
DietCarnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for bettas

All betta tank mates

Better tank mates for convict cichlids

All convict cichlid tank mates

Questions

Can bettas live with convict cichlids?

No. Bettas and convict cichlids should not share a tank. Convict cichlids are aggressive, and slow, long-finned bettas cannot escape them.

What temperature suits both bettas and convict cichlids?

76–82 °F. Bettas need 76–82 °F, convict cichlids need 74–82 °F.

What size tank do bettas and convict cichlids need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the convict cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.