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Last update: November 30, 2022

15 Best Convict Cichlid Tank Mates

Also known as the Zebra Cichlid, the Convict Cichlid gets its name not just because of its stripes. It’s a rough and rowdy cowboy that doesn’t always play nice.

Before you go full prison tank, fights and all, consider these 15 best Convict Cichlid tank mates. They have enough attitude to keep your convict in check.

Convict Cichlid Tank Mates – What You Need To Know

Convict Cichlids are moderately difficult fish to take care of. If you are new to caring for fish and want to have a Convict Cichlid, consider having them in a one-species tank by themself.

If you’re building a tank of the toughest fins in town, you’ve got options though. You’ll need other fish with big personalities to be able to hold each other in check.

Convict Cichlids need a 30-gallon tank at 79 to 84° F. If you want a lot of fish in the tank, you’ll want to have a tank as big as 50 gallons or more to give everyone space as the Convict Cichlid is territorial.

These omnivores will eat anything you give them, just make sure it’s a balanced diet.

These South American tanks can grow as big as six inches, which is actually small for Cichlids.

Convict Cichlid Tank Mates

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1. T-bar Cichlid

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  • Scientific Name: Archocentrus sajica
  • Adult Size: 5 inches
  • Compatible With: Other Cichlids
  • Water Temperature: 75 to 82° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Origin: Costa Rica

The T-Bar Cichlid, also known as the Costa Rican Blue Eyed Cichlid, is another of the semi-peaceful, but territorial variety. With beautiful tropical colors, these fish are known as the cousin of the Convict Cichlid.

They make perfect tank mates for Convict Cichlids because of how similar they are in size and temperament. They’re so similar, in fact, that they can actually breed with each other.

They come from rivers and streams up in the mountains, so give them some gravel and lots of cave-like hiding spots.

Omnivorous, they should be fed a well-balanced diet such as a quality sinking pellet.

2. Clown Loach

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  • Scientific Name: Chromobotia macracanthus
  • Adult Size: 12 inches
  • Compatible With: Most Fish
  • Water Temperature: 77 to 86° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
  • Care Level: Intermediate
  • Origin: Indonesia

Only a couple of inches when young, the popular Clown Loach grows to a hefty 12 inches by maturity. And because it’s a schooling fish, preferring a group of at least five, it will keep the Convict Cichlid at arm’s length even though it is peaceful.

Their size and pack mentality mean you’ll need a very large tank to house them, but Convict Cichlid communities will need that anyway.

These omnivorous clowns love to eat all kinds of things, from shrimp to algae to snails. Give them some variety and send them on their way.

You’ll want to have plenty of floating plants to give these bottom-dwellers the cover they need to not feel stressed. Really any overhanging plant will do.

3. Green Terror

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  • Scientific Name: Andinoacara rivulatus
  • Adult Size: 12 inches
  • Compatible With: Other Large, Aggressive Fish
  • Water Temperature: 68 to 77° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 35 gallons for one, 75 for two
  • Care Level: Intermediate
  • Origin: Peru and Ecuador

Despite its title, the Green Terror actually has a lot of blue and is quite pretty. But the name doesn’t come from its looks. These beasts are highly aggressive and territorial.

To add a layer of complexity, they look for food all over the place. They move from top to bottom in search of it.

The Green Terror is a good tank mate for Convict Cichlids because their aggression will make it less likely that they bully each other. Good, old-fashioned mutually assured destruction at work.

These fish like to dig so don’t bother planting plants in the soil. That said, they also like shady hiding spots so provide some caves and floating plants.

4. Oscar Fish

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  • Scientific Name: Astronotus ocellatus
  • Adult Size: 10 – 12 inches
  • Compatible With: Other Cichlids
  • Water Temperature: 74 to 81° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
  • Care Level: Intermediate
  • Origin: South America

Oscar Fish are actually Cichlids and are considered semi-aggressive. They are usually level-headed, but show aggression often enough.

These sultry, orange and black fish make great tank mates with the Convict Cichlid because they exhibit a lot of similar behavior patterns.

One very appealing thing about Oscar Fish is their intelligence. They will recognize their owners and move with purpose. You can even feed them by hand!

Give these brainiacs plenty of caves and plants to hang out in and keep in mind that they are territorial so have some room for them to claim.

They are omnivorous and should be kept well-fed to minimize stress.

5. Electric Blue Acara

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  • Scientific Name: Andinoacara pulcher
  • Adult Size: 6 – 8 inches
  • Compatible With: Other Cichlids
  • Water Temperature: 68 to 82° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Origin: Central America

The Electric Blue Acara is actually a man-made hybrid of the Blue Acara, a less aggressive Cichlid from Central America. These electric beauties shimmer under the light in a gorgeous blue blaze.

They make great tank mates with Convict Cichlids because they are similar in size and can defend themselves from Convicts but aren’t aggressive enough to start fights. This should chill your Convict out.

These social creatures hang out in the middle and bottom of the tank, where they like to swim around in the open water and dig in the substrate. Consider a non-abrasive type like sand or rounded gravel.

A diverse, omnivorous diet will keep these fish happy and healthy.

6. Firemouth Cichlid

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  • Scientific Name: Thorichthys meeki
  • Adult Size: 7 inches
  • Compatible With: Other Cichlids
  • Water Temperature: 75 to 86° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Origin: Central America

Unlike other Cichlids on this list, the Firemouth Cichlid is relatively peaceful. It is still territorial, but not as aggressive as some of its brothers and sisters.

This makes them a great choice for Convict Cichlids, as they are hefty enough to be able to hold their own but not aggressive enough to cause a lot of problems.

These monogamous fish do best in pairs, but beware their aggression when they are spawning.

They are omnivorous and will eat anything thrown their way. Feed them often to keep them satiated. They love plants, so be sure to include plenty for them to hang out by.

7. Jewel cichlid

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  • Scientific Name: Hemichromis bimaculatus
  • Adult Size: 5.5 inches
  • Compatible With: Other Cichlids
  • Water Temperature: 75 to 80° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
  • Origin: West Africa

The magnificent, African Jewel Cichlid is known just as much for its aggression as it is for its beauty. Make sure you have a big enough tank!

That said, they make great tank mates with Convict Cichlids because Cichlids do best when combined with other Cichlids.

These beauties love to eat anything and everything, and feeding them plenty will keep their tempers down. Give them pellets, live food, and flakes regularly.

They also like to have hiding places, so decorate your tank with plenty of caves and rocks.

8. Jack Dempsey

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  • Scientific Name: Rocio octofasciata
  • Adult Size: 10 – 15 inches
  • Compatible With: Other Large, Aggressive Fish
  • Water Temperature: 72 to 86° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 80 gallons
  • Care Level: Intermediate
  • Origin: Central America

Named after the short-tempered boxing champion, Jack Dempseys are another type of Cichlid that are gorgeously specked and ready to fight.

Fiercely territorial, Jack Dempseys will hold their own against the Convict Cichlid. It’s the right temperament for the job.

Give these fish some cave space to lurk and defend. They also love lots of vegetation. You’ll want a fairly large tank to accommodate such a big personality.

Jack Dempseys are carnivorous, so give them fish flakes and other meaty nutrients.

9. Salvini Cichlid

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  • Scientific Name: Nandopsis salvini
  • Adult Size: 9 inches
  • Compatible With: Other Cichlids
  • Water Temperature: 75 to 79° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 95 gallons
  • Care Level: Advanced
  • Origin: Central America

Like the other Cichlids on this list, the Salvini Cichlid (also known as the Tricolor Cichlid) has an aggressive, territorial nature. Perfect for the Convict Cichlid.

Different from most Cichlids, though, is its tendency not to hide in caves or by plants. It will often claim an open area of water that it hunts in. Make sure to have enough space without vegetation for it to claim.

Not only that, but the Salvini Cichlid is very aggressive. In fact, many consider it to be the most aggressive of its kind. If it’s fighting with another fish for too long, try to break them up and consider separating them for good.

The Salvini Cichlid is omnivorous, but its diet primarily consists of smaller fish. Give it plenty of variety as it needs both meat and veggies.

10. Pictus Catfish

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  • Scientific Name: Pimelodus Pictus
  • Adult Size: 5 inches
  • Compatible With: Larger Fish
  • Water Temperature: 75 to 81° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons, although 100+ is ideal for a community
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Origin: South America

Pictus Catfish are some of the most popular catfish for aquariums, with their iconic white and black spotted body and sharp dorsal fins.

These fish are migratory and don’t really pick one territory to live in which can cause some tension with the territorial Convict Cichlid. That said, the Pictus Catfish is large enough and tough enough to keep from getting bullied.

These fish are omnivorous scavengers, so they will search out and eat whatever they can find. Quick and active, they move around looking for food regularly.

They are shoaling fish, so consider putting them in a group of 3, but they can live on their own as well.

11. Giant Danio

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  • Scientific Name: Devario aequipinnatus
  • Adult Size: 4 – 6 inches
  • Compatible With: Most Fish
  • Water Temperature: 72 to 75° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Origin: South Asia

Giant Danios are significantly larger than other Danios and are often used in Cichlid community tanks.

The reason they make such good Convict Cichlid tank mates is that they are some of the largest dithering fish. Dither fish make aggressive fish calm down by swimming around peacefully, keeping their attention while not inciting conflict.

They are shoaling fish, so keep them in a group of at least four. And keep in mind that they can exhibit territoriality and aggression if not given enough space. A Convict Cichlid community tank will need to be quite large to accommodate everyone.

Giant Danios are omnivorous and eat a wide array of foods.

12. Common Pleco

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  • Scientific Name: Hypostomus plecostomus
  • Adult Size: 24 inches
  • Compatible With: Most Fish
  • Water Temperature: 72 to 86° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (Some say 100)
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Origin: French Guinea, Guyana, Suriname

The nocturnal Common Pleco, also called the Suckermouth Catfish, is peaceful and popular. In fact, they are one of the most popular aquarium fish available.

Because Common Plecos are nocturnal, if given enough space, they make great tank mates with Convict Cichlids. Also, because of their size they shouldn’t be a target for bullying.

You can feed these suckers wood fiber, algae, insects, anything you like. They are scavengers and should be fed at night.

13. Bristlenose Pleco

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  • Scientific Name: Ancistrus Cirrhosus
  • Adult Size: 8 inches
  • Compatible With: Most Fish
  • Water Temperature: 73 to 81° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
  • Origin: Amazon Basin

Given enough space, the Bristlenose Pleco can be a good fit for Convict Cichlids. But be warned that when they mature, they can become territorial of the bottom layer.

They are nocturnal, so the two breeds will likely avoid conflict. Because of its size, the Convict Cichlid will also be less inclined to bully the Bristlenose Pleco.

They like to have driftwood and other objects on the bottom to snoop around. They also eat algae, helping you to keep your tank clean. Isn’t that nice?

14. Tiger Barb

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  • Scientific Name: Puntius tetrazona
  • Adult Size: 2.8 inches
  • Compatible With: Other Tiger Barbs And Fast Swimmers
  • Water Temperature: 68 to 79° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Origin: Indonesia

Although the Tiger Barb is easy to care for, it can be tricky to keep it from bothering other fish. They are notorious fin-nippers, and slower fish will probably be harassed.

By keeping your Tiger Barbs in a group of six or more, you can mitigate any aggression these fish may have towards other tankmates. A larger tank will also keep them from being overly aggressive, too.

Even though they are quite small, their aggression should ward off a Convict Cichlid. Try putting them in a large school of ten to fifteen. It would be better if they were all adults, too.

Tiger Barbs are some of the most popular fish for aquariums. They like some vegetation but do well in simple tanks and are very durable in lots of water conditions. They also eat anything you give them, as they are omnivorous.

15. Honduran Red Point Cichlid

  • Scientific Name: Archocentrus sp. “honduran red point”
  • Adult Size: 5 inches
  • Compatible With: Other Cichlids
  • Water Temperature: 73 to 82° F
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Origin:  Honduras

Another cousin of the Convict Cichlid is the Honduran Red Point Cichlid, also known as the Blue Convict. The coloring on these tropical fish is fantastic and is sure to add a lot visually to your community.

There seems to be some disagreement, but many people believe that the Honduran Red Point is actually a color morph of the Convict Cichlid. That’s what makes these fish such great tank mates, they are like non-identical twins!

These fish are omnivores and will eat whatever you give them. Make sure to give them lots of driftwood, rocks, and other hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat.

They also like to dig, so consider having a softer substrate like sand for them.

Summary

These 15 best Convict Cichlid tank mates will give you a dynamic, vibrant, and tropical community tank. Although Cichlids are an aggressive species of fish, when done right you can have an incredible tank with fierce and beautiful creatures.

Now you have to choose which one you want! You can’t go wrong, whether it’s the Salvini Cichlid or the Electric Blue Acara.

Just remember that they need some space to be content.

Happy fishing!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Convict Cichlids should be kept together?

One or two Convict Cichlids is common. The more you add, the more territorial they will become so keep that in mind.

If you keep a male and female together, they will likely breed. When building a community tank, keep in mind that Convict Cichlids are at their most aggressive when they are breeding.

Do Convict Cichlids need caves?

Yes, Convict Cichlids need a cave to claim as their territory. If you plan on breeding, you should also have a loose, rocky substrate for them to lay their eggs.

How often do you feed convict fish?

Feed them three times a day.

Ian Sterling

Ian Sterling, founder of Fishlab.com, began his aquarium journey over 30 years ago, driven by a deep fascination for fish and their diverse personalities. His website, Fishlab.com, is dedicated to making fishkeeping accessible and enjoyable, offering beginner-friendly guidance, expert insights, and a community for aquarists to connect and share experiences.

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