Can oscars live with convict cichlids?
Verdict
No
No. Oscars and convict cichlids should not share a tank. An adult oscar eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 5 inches convict cichlids do.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAn adult oscar eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 5 inches convict cichlids do.
- Watch outConvict cichlids are aggressive. Oscars hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.
What works
- Both are fine at 74–81°F.
- pH 6.6–7.8 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: oscars the mid, convict cichlids the bottom.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Oscar | Convict cichlid | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–81 °F | 74–82 °F |
| pH | 6–8 | 6.6–7.8 |
| Adult size | 12.0 in | 5.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 75 gal | 30 gal |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Aggressive |
| Swims at | Middle | Bottom |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Alone or in pairs |
| Diet | Carnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for oscars
Common plecoYes
Clown loachYes
Black ghost knifeYes
BichirYes
Elephant nose fishYes
Chinese algae eaterYes
Better tank mates for convict cichlids
All convict cichlid tank mates
Questions
Can oscars live with convict cichlids?
No. Oscars and convict cichlids should not share a tank. An adult oscar eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 5 inches convict cichlids do.
What temperature suits both oscars and convict cichlids?
74–81 °F. Oscars need 74–81 °F, convict cichlids need 74–82 °F.
What size tank do oscars and convict cichlids need together?
At least 75 gal, set by the oscar. Add space for each extra fish.