Can convict cichlids live with pygmy corys?
Verdict
No
No. Convict cichlids and pygmy corys should not share a tank. Convict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful pygmy corys.
What to watch
- Deal breakerConvict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful pygmy corys.
- Watch outAt 5 inches a convict cichlid can swallow a small pygmy cory. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.
What works
- Both are fine at 74–79°F.
- pH 6.6–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: convict cichlids the bottom, pygmy corys the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Convict cichlid | Pygmy cory | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–82 °F | 72–79 °F |
| pH | 6.6–7.8 | 6–7.5 |
| Adult size | 5.0 in | 1.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 30 gal | 10 gal |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Bottom | Middle |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Groups of 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for convict cichlids
All convict cichlid tank mates
Better tank mates for pygmy corys
Questions
Can convict cichlids live with pygmy corys?
No. Convict cichlids and pygmy corys should not share a tank. Convict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful pygmy corys.
What temperature suits both convict cichlids and pygmy corys?
74–79 °F. Convict cichlids need 74–82 °F, pygmy corys need 72–79 °F.
What size tank do convict cichlids and pygmy corys need together?
At least 30 gal, set by the convict cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.