Can convict cichlids live with mollies?
Verdict
No
No. Convict cichlids and mollies should not share a tank. Convict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful mollies.
What to watch
- Deal breakerConvict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful mollies.
What works
- Both are fine at 74–82°F.
- pH 7.5–7.8 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: convict cichlids the bottom, mollies the top.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Convict cichlid | Molly | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–82 °F | 72–82 °F |
| pH | 6.6–7.8 | 7.5–8.5 |
| Adult size | 5.0 in | 4.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 30 gal | 20 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 mollies
Questions
Can convict cichlids live with mollies?
No. Convict cichlids and mollies should not share a tank. Convict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful mollies.
What temperature suits both convict cichlids and mollies?
74–82 °F. Convict cichlids need 74–82 °F, mollies need 72–82 °F.
What size tank do convict cichlids and mollies need together?
At least 30 gal, set by the convict cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.











