Can convict cichlids live with african cichlids?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Convict cichlids and african cichlids can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.8.

Convict cichlid74–82°F · pH 6.6–7.8

African cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6

What to watch

Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.8.
Watch outBoth are aggressive. It can work in a large tank with broken sight lines, or end in a fight.

What works

Both are fine at 75–82°F.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

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

	Convict cichlid	African cichlid
Temperature	74–82 °F	75–82 °F
pH	6.6–7.8	7.8–8.6
Adult size	5.0 in	5.0 in
Minimum tank	30 gal	55 gal
Temperament	Aggressive	Aggressive
Swims at	Bottom	All levels
Group	Alone or in pairs	Groups of 6+
Diet	Omnivore	Herbivore

Better tank mates for convict cichlids

All convict cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for african cichlids

All african cichlid tank mates

Questions

Can convict cichlids live with african cichlids?

Yes, with care. Convict cichlids and african cichlids can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.8.

What temperature suits both convict cichlids and african cichlids?

75–82 °F. Convict cichlids need 74–82 °F, african cichlids need 75–82 °F.

What size tank do convict cichlids and african cichlids need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the african cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.