What Fish Are Compatible With Convict Cichlids: The Best Tankmates

If you’re looking for a fish that can add some excitement to your aquarium, you should consider adding a convict cichlid. These fish are known for their playful and lively personalities, and they make great companions for other fish in your tank. They are fun to watch, but they also provide a lot of nutritional value to your tank. A few fish are considered compatible with convict cichlids, such as catfish, plecos, and barbs. 

The Best Convict Cichlid Tankmates

The convict cichlid is a friendly fish in most home aquariums. They are best paired with other species with similar water requirements and aggressiveness levels. Some good tankmates for the convict cichlid include neon tetras, dwarf gouramis, and mollies.

Giant Danio

The giant danio is a large fish that can grow up to four inches. These cichlids are known to be relatively peaceful and get along well with other tank mates, including other danio species. They require plenty of swimming space and should be kept in tanks that hold at least 50 gallons.

Firemouth Cichlid

The firemouth cichlid is another large fish that can grow up to 6 inches long. They are known for their aggressive behavior and should not be added to tanks with smaller fish or invertebrates. These cichlids do best in tanks that hold at least 30 gallons, and you should only mix them with other species that can keep up with their size.

Jack Dempsey

These cichlids are known for their high activity level and need plenty of room to swim and play. They should be kept in tanks that hold at least 80 gallons, but you can also mix them with other species.

Pictus Catfish

Pictus catfish are hardy fish that can withstand a wide range of water parameters. They do best in tanks that hold at least 50 to 55 gallons and should only be mixed with other species with similar needs.

Plecostomus

Plecostomus are a schooling fish that can be kept in groups of at least six. They do best in tanks that hold at least 75 to 80 gallons and should only be mixed with other species that can keep up with their size and activity level.

Clown Loach

Clown loaches are hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They do best in tanks that hold at least 75 gallons and should only be mixed with other species that share their exact needs for temperature and water parameters.

Convict Cichlid: Species Profile

The convict cichlid is an African saltwater fish that is quite popular in the aquarium trade. This species can be found in various colors, including yellow, orange, brown, and green. The average size for this fish ranges from 4 to 6 inches long. These fish are friendly with other tankmates and will typically get along well with most other types of fish. They are considered suitable for beginner aquariums.

One downside to the convict cichlid is that they can be pretty active, so a larger tank is advisable if you decide to add one of these fish to your home aquarium. They also require a good amount of swimming space and enjoy plenty of hiding places in their environment.

Lifespan

The convict cichlid can live up to 8 to 10 years in captivity. So, this makes this fish a long-term pet. However, if the tank is too large, you can expect to have discolored water and plants in less time because of overgrazing by your inhabitants.

Behavior and Temperament

The convict cichlid is a lively and active fish that should be kept in tanks with plenty of water to swim in. If desired, they are not primarily social but can be mixed with other compatible fish.

Convict Cichlid: Care in Captivity

Aquarium Size

The convict cichlid is a relatively small fish, so they are typically best suited for tanks that hold up to 30 gallons. As with all fish, you should always get a tank verified for compatible housing before adding one of these creatures to your collection.

Water Conditions

The water conditions for the convict cichlid are typically moderate to strenuous. They require a lot of oxygen and good circulation, so filtration should be strong. The pH range for these fish is 6.6 to 7.8, so they will do well in both acidic and alkaline aquariums as long as the water chemistry is correct.

Aquarium Equipment

The convict cichlid is an easy fish to keep and does not require a lot of fancy equipment. They should be kept in tanks that have plenty of room to swim and play and contain plants or rocks to hide under. You can also add some small pieces of vegetation for them to eat.

Common Possible Diseases

The convict cichlid is a hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. However, like all fish, they are susceptible to disease and should be well-maintained. Some common diseases that may affect them include protozoal infections, parasitic infestations, and، bacterial diarrhea.

Food & Diet

The convict cichlid is an omnivore and will eat meat and plant matter. They should be fed foods high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Some standard options include live insects, feed pellets، plankton، fresh vegetables and fruits،, and small fish. In addition, you should feed them small amounts of cooked foods such as white rice or other grains.

In addition, some of the other foods they like include brine shrimp, micro worms, and blood worms. Keep in mind that convict cichlids are not picky eaters; most of them will eat whatever else happens to be available when you feed your fish. So, for example, suppose a particular food item is offered infrequently by the tank’s inhabitants. In that case, this can create competitive feeding situations with convicts that could lead to injuries or fights between incompatible species, so it’s best to avoid this.