What Can You Mix with African Cichlids?
African cichlids are a popular choice for freshwater aquariums, providing a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes for a beautiful display. But if you’re looking for variety, you may be wondering what other fish you can mix with African cichlids.
Other African Cichlids
The most obvious choice for tankmates for African cichlids is other African cichlids. However, it’s important to make sure that you choose species with similar water requirements, such as pH, temperature, and hardness. You may also want to consider the size of the fish and the size of the tank. Some large cichlids can reach 10 inches or more and may need a bigger tank.
Compatible Fish Species
Apart from other cichlids, there are several other fish species that are compatible with African cichlids. These include species such as barbs, danios, tetras, livebearers, and catfish. It’s important to note that some of these fish may need to be kept in schools, so make sure you have enough tank space for them. Additionally, some of these species may be more aggressive than others, so pay close attention to the behavior of the fish to ensure they’re getting along.
Incompatible Fish Species
Some fish species should never be kept with African cichlids, as they may be attacked or even eaten. These include species such as goldfish, bettas, gouramis, and some other peaceful species. Additionally, you should avoid mixing African cichlids with other aggressive fish species, such as Oscars, as they may fight and cause injury to each other.
Conclusion
African cichlids can make a beautiful addition to any freshwater aquarium, but it’s important to ensure they are kept with compatible tankmates. Other African cichlids, barbs, danios, tetras, livebearers, and catfish are all good choices for tankmates for African cichlids. However, species such as goldfish, bettas, gouramis, and other peaceful species should be avoided, as well as other aggressive fish species. With the right tankmates, African cichlids can thrive and bring a stunning display to your home aquarium.