Are you here for the best African cichlid tank mates? These fish are beautiful but can be aggressive, so we need tank mates that can tolerate their temperament without being overly aggressive themselves. Here are the 10 best tank mates for African cichlids.
Here Are 10 Best As Well As Compatible Tank Mates You Should Consider:
1. Rosy Barbs
Given enough space, a minimum tank size of 75 litres (20 gallons) for a small group of rosy barbs can grow larger than expected, up to 15 cm (6 inches), although 10 cm (4 inches) is more common in aquariums. Both males and females have attractive colouration. However, males are a much deeper pinkish-red with more green on their backs.
Rosy barbs are easy to keep and breed. Offer dense plants like Guppy Grass or Java Fern for egg-laying and feed a varied diet of flakes and fresh food like bloodworms to enhance colour. Rosy Barbs may nip fins, so avoid keeping them with Bettas or slow-moving, long-finned fish.
2. Swordtails
Swordtails are often not recommended with cichlids because they are peaceful, and their young can be eaten. However, adult swordtails are big enough to live peacefully with African cichlids.
Provide Swordtails with small flakes and pellets, as cichlids eat larger pellets. Swordtails come in many varieties and can hybridise with platies, so baby swordtails often look different from their parents and each other.
3. Convict Cichlid
Convict cichlids are another native. Although not as colorful, Convicts have beautiful orange markings on their bellies, especially adult females.
Be careful when pairing them with cichlids; in aquariums smaller than 100 liters (30 gallons), your convicts may claim most of the tank as their territory. In aquariums of 55 gallons (200 litres) or larger with abundant rockery, there is enough room for both species to claim space and minimise aggression.
If Convicts are a bit too scrawny, consider some of their close relatives, such as the Honduran Redtip (Amatitlania sp. “Honduran Redtip”). Not only do they have brighter colors (more blue and orange), but their temperament is much milder. They are also considerably rarer but just as easy to breed; finding homes for the young is no problem at all!
4. Salvini Cichlid
Most Nandopsis and Parachromis species are very aggressive and often large, such as the Jaguar Cichlid. Salvini, the smallest at 12 cm (5 in) to 17 cm (7 in), is an exception. The Salvini is also one of the most colorful, with a deep yellow background that contrasts with solid black, red, and blue. In tanks of 55 gallons (200 litres) or larger, they make excellent companions.
Like their larger cousins, Salvini are ambush predators that prefer small fish, invertebrates, and other prey. You can supplement these meaty offerings with prepared cichlid pellets. For boldly colored species like the Salvini, you’ll want carotenoid-rich foods to enhance their red and gold hues.
5. Congo Tetra
While many tetras are from South America, a few African species, like the Congo Tetra, are common in the hobby. Congo tetras live in murky, plant-filled rivers of the Congo basin. They prefer planted, dim aquariums where they can dart among plants for small invertebrates like mosquito larvae and daphnia.
Because they are large for tetras and must be kept in schools, you’ll need at least a 110-liter (30-gallon) aquarium for them to live with your African cichlids. Congo tetras, being peaceful and occupying middle and upper water areas, will get along well.
Congo tetras prefer softer water and alkaline water. The best way to meet the needs of both species is to balance the chemistry as close to neutral as possible (pH 7.0).
6. Green Corydoras
Corydoras are ideal tankmates for most aquarium fish. They are peaceful, active, have striking patterns, and tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
The green Corydoras is one of the largest species commonly found, making it especially well-suited to living with semi-aggressive cichlids. Please keep them in a minimum tank of 75 liters (20 gallons) with a small school of at least six to feel safe swimming in open water.
Corydoras, as a group, make excellent tankmates for African cichlids. Stay away from smaller species, such as pygmy corydoras, but most are large enough to withstand the occasional chase or bite from a territorial cichlid.
7. Bristlenose Pleco
Plecos are the top algae eaters for cichlid tanks. Their tough scales protect them from nips, and many are territorial, too. Bristlenose Plecos are recommended as they stay smaller and look more interesting than other varieties.
Some Plecos are dull brown, while others have spots or stripes. Most are medium-sized and hardy, except wild-caught ones. Bristlenose Plecos eat algae and soft plants, but also need aged driftwood to aid digestion.
8. Clown Loach
Loaches are great tankmates for firemouths. Avoid small, easy-to-eat species like Kuhli loaches; choose larger clown loaches instead. Being scaleless, loaches are sensitive to medicines and wounds, which can get infected in dirty water.
Otherwise, clown loaches are hardy bottom dwellers that burrow in soft sand. They eat almost anything, especially invertebrates. Clown loaches can remove even the worst snail infestations.
Clown loaches grow large and need schools. Adults require at least 680 liters (180 gallons) unless rehomed. Luckily, adult clown loaches are popular in the hobby.
9. Rift Lake Cichlids
Rift Lake cichlids are very similar to their Central American cousins in that they prefer warm, alkaline waters riddled with rocky hiding places. They are also much more colorful, taking on hues that can even rival reef fish! Discover our vibrant African cichlids for sale and bring new life to your aquarium today!
10. Mbuna
Although there are hundreds to choose from, not all make good tankmates for firemouths. Several, including most Mbuna, are overly aggressive and territorial. The electric yellow Labidochromis (Labidochromis caeruleus) is one of the most well-behaved and brightly colored Mbuna cichlids for sale.
Peacock cichlids (Aulonocara sp.) are native to Malawi and are also peaceful among cichlids and remain fairly small despite being brightly colored. The feeding habits of Rift Lake cichlids vary by species, but almost all will accept prepared or fresh/frozen options (Mbuna are very vegetarian!)
Conclusion:
Choosing the right tank mates for your African cichlids is essential for maintaining a balanced and peaceful aquarium. While cichlids can be territorial, many compatible species like Rosy Barbs, Swordtails, and Bristle Nose Plecos can coexist successfully with the right setup. Be sure to consider each species’ size, behaviour, and water requirements when planning your community tank. With thoughtful pairing and proper care, you can create a vibrant, diverse environment that allows your cichlids and their companions to thrive.
