What Other Fish Can Go with African Cichlids in a Freshwater Aquarium?
African Cichlids are some of the most popular fish for freshwater aquariums. With their vibrant colors, interesting behavior, and hardy nature, they make a great addition to any aquarist's tank. But what other fish can go with them? In this article, we'll explore the best options for tankmates for African Cichlids.
The Basics of Cichlid Compatibility
When choosing tankmates for African Cichlids, it's important to consider their temperament and size. Cichlids are territorial, so it's important to choose tankmates that won't be intimidated by their aggressive displays. Generally, smaller and more passive fish that won't compete for food are a good choice. It's also important to make sure that the tankmates are compatible in size with the Cichlids, as larger fish can become aggressive when housed with smaller ones.
The Best Tankmates for African Cichlids
One of the best tankmates for African Cichlids are Catfish. Catfish come in a variety of sizes and temperaments, and they tend to be peaceful and non-aggressive. They also have the added benefit of being great scavengers, helping to keep the tank clean. Some other good choices for tankmates are tetras, danios, loaches, and rasboras. All of these fish are peaceful and colorful, and they can help to create a lively and vibrant tank.
Fish to Avoid
When choosing tankmates for African Cichlids, it's important to avoid fish that are too aggressive or too small. Large and aggressive fish like Oscars, Jack Dempseys, and some species of Centrarchidae should be avoided as they may become too aggressive and territorial. It's also important to avoid very small fish like Neon Tetras, as they can easily become snacks for the larger Cichlids.
Conclusion
When choosing tankmates for African Cichlids, it's important to consider the size and temperament of the fish. Smaller and more peaceful fish like Catfish, Tetras, Danios, Loaches, and Rasboras are all good choices. It's also important to avoid larger and more aggressive fish, as well as very small fish that could become snacks. With the right tankmates, African Cichlids can make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.