Can convict cichlids live with chinese algae eaters?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Convict cichlids and chinese algae eaters can share a tank, but watch one thing. Convict cichlids are aggressive. Chinese algae eaters hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

Convict cichlid74–82°F · pH 6.6–7.8

Chinese algae eater74–80°F · pH 6–8

What to watch

Watch outConvict cichlids are aggressive. Chinese algae eaters hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.
Watch outBoth claim territory on the bottom. Give each its own cave and plenty of floor space.

What works

Both are fine at 74–80°F.
pH 6.6–7.8 suits both.

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	Chinese algae eater
Temperature	74–82 °F	74–80 °F
pH	6.6–7.8	6–8
Adult size	5.0 in	10.0 in
Minimum tank	30 gal	75 gal
Temperament	Aggressive	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	Bottom	Bottom
Group	Alone or in pairs	Alone or in pairs
Diet	Omnivore	Herbivore