What Fish Can African Cichlids Live With
What Are African Cichlids?
African cichlids are a type of fish that are native to the African continent. They are a popular choice for fish tank enthusiasts due to their colorful and vibrant appearance. African cichlids come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with some species reaching up to 10 inches in length. They are social fish, and prefer to live in groups and schools.
What Other Fish Are Compatible With African Cichlids?
When deciding what fish to keep with African cichlids, it is important to consider the size, temperament, and water parameters of the tank. Smaller, peaceful fish such as tetras, guppies, and some catfish can make good tankmates for African cichlids. Care must be taken to ensure that the tank is large enough to accommodate the size and needs of all the fish.
Compatibility Guidelines for African Cichlids
When selecting fish to keep with African cichlids, it is important to maintain a few key guidelines:
- Choose tankmates that are compatible in size. African cichlids can become aggressive towards smaller fish, so larger fish are generally the best choice.
- Aim for a mix of active and peaceful fish. African cichlids can become territorial, so it is important to choose tankmates that won’t be intimidated by their presence.
- Choose fish that prefer similar water parameters. African cichlids thrive in slightly alkaline, warm water, so choosing fish that like these parameters will help create a balanced environment.
- Choose fish that are native to the same region as African cichlids. Fish that are native to the African continent will be better equipped to handle the water parameters and environment of the tank.
Examples of Fish That Can Live With African Cichlids
Some examples of fish that can live peacefully with African cichlids include:
- Larger tetras such as Congo and Emperor tetras
- Rainbowfish
- Upside-down catfish
- Knife fish
- Larger barbs such as Tiger barbs
Conclusion
When choosing tankmates for African cichlids, it is important to choose fish that are compatible in size, temperament, and water parameters. Larger, peaceful fish such as tetras, guppies, and some catfish can make good tankmates for African cichlids. By following the compatibility guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your African cichlids and their tankmates will live peacefully together.