Can convict cichlids live with cardinal tetras?

Verdict
No

No. Convict cichlids and cardinal tetras should not share a tank. Convict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful cardinal tetras.

Convict cichlidConvict cichlid74–82°F · pH 6.6–7.8 Cardinal tetraCardinal tetra76–84°F · pH 4.6–7

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 76–82°Convict cichlid 74–82°Cardinal tetra 76–84°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.6–7Convict cichlid 6.6–7.8Cardinal tetra 4.6–7
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Convict cichlid · 5 inCardinal tetra · 2 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

Convict cichlidCardinal tetra
Temperature74–82 °F76–84 °F
pH6.6–7.84.6–7
Adult size5.0 in2.0 in
Minimum tank30 gal20 gal
TemperamentAggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for convict cichlids

All convict cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for cardinal tetras

All cardinal tetra tank mates

Questions

Can convict cichlids live with cardinal tetras?

No. Convict cichlids and cardinal tetras should not share a tank. Convict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful cardinal tetras.

What temperature suits both convict cichlids and cardinal tetras?

76–82 °F. Convict cichlids need 74–82 °F, cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F.

What size tank do convict cichlids and cardinal tetras need together?

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