Can convict cichlids live with endlers?
Verdict
No
No. Convict cichlids and endlers should not share a tank. Convict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful endlers.
What to watch
- Deal breakerConvict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful endlers.
- Watch outAt 5 inches a convict cichlid can swallow a small endler's livebearer. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.
What works
- Both are fine at 74–82°F.
- pH 7–7.8 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: convict cichlids the bottom, endlers the top.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Convict cichlid | Endler's livebearer | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–82 °F | 72–82 °F |
| pH | 6.6–7.8 | 7–8 |
| Adult size | 5.0 in | 1.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 30 gal | 5 gal |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Bottom | Top |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Groups of 3+ |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for convict cichlids
All convict cichlid tank mates
Better tank mates for endlers
All endler's livebearer tank mates
Questions
Can convict cichlids live with endlers?
No. Convict cichlids and endlers should not share a tank. Convict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful endlers.
What temperature suits both convict cichlids and endlers?
74–82 °F. Convict cichlids need 74–82 °F, endlers need 72–82 °F.
What size tank do convict cichlids and endlers need together?
At least 30 gal, set by the convict cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.