What Fish Live With African Cichlids?
African cichlids are a type of freshwater fish native to the African Rift Lakes. They are colorful, hardy fish that make great additions to any aquarium. When choosing tank mates for African cichlids, it is important to select other fish that can handle the same water parameters and are compatible with the cichlids in terms of temperament. The following fish are some of the best choices for tank mates for African cichlids.
Upside-down Catfish
Upside-down catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) are small catfish that reach a maximum size of around 4 inches. They are peaceful and mostly bottom dwellers, so they won’t compete with the cichlids for food or territory. They can tolerate a wide range of water parameters and do well in African cichlid tanks.
Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia species) are peaceful, colorful fish that can tolerate the same water parameters as African cichlids. They are active swimmers, so they are best kept in larger tanks with plenty of swimming space. They are also relatively easy to care for and can coexist peacefully with the African cichlids.
Kribensis
Kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher) are small, colorful fish that reach a maximum size of around 3 inches. They are peaceful and docile fish that get along well with most other fish, including African cichlids. They prefer slightly acidic water and can be kept in groups of multiple males and females in larger tanks.
Silver Dollar
Silver dollar (Metynnis species) are peaceful, hardy fish that can tolerate the same water parameters as African cichlids. They are active swimmers and can reach a maximum size of around 6 inches, so they are best kept in larger tanks with plenty of swimming space. They can coexist peacefully with African cichlids as long as they are not aggressive.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing tank mates for African cichlids, it is important to select other fish that can handle the same water parameters and are compatible with the cichlids in terms of temperament. Upside-down catfish, rainbowfish, kribensis, and silver dollar are all good choices for tank mates for African cichlids. With the right tank mates, African cichlids can thrive in a peaceful and colorful aquarium.