Ellipsoidal particles are anisotropic in shape. Production practice often involves the distribution and convection of ellipsoidal particles under external excitation. However, few studies have focused on convection in ellipsoidal particles. Herein, we experimentally investigated the convection behavior of ellipsoidal particles in a two-dimensional bed under vertical vibration. Several patterns were observed at the dimensionless vibration acceleration (Gamma) valuesof 1-6 within the frequency (f) range of 12-70 Hz. The displacement vectors of single roll, asymmetrical double rolls and symmetrical double rolls were drawn. At fixed., the system changed from global convection to local convection with increased f. To describe convection intensity, the expansion of bed and the volume fraction of convection region were proposed. Results showed that higher Gamma or lower f led to stronger convection intensity. The relationship between the pattern and input energy distribution was further discussed. The arrangement of the ellipsoidal-particle long axis along the streamline or at an angle was observed under weak vibration. Two necessary conditions for this phenomenon were observed, namely, nonspherical particles and low input energy. (c) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.