15 Best African Cichlids Tank Mates

Learn about the best tank mates for African cichlids. In this article, I showcase 15 fish species that are compatible with African cichlids, presenting you their requirements, feeding habits, care level, lifespan, and temperament, so you can make an informed decision.

In this article, I’ll share my personal experiences and research on the best African cichlids tank mates, ensuring your aquarium remains harmonious and your beloved fish can thrive together in a captivating underwater community. So keep reading and discover the ideal companions for your beautiful African cichlids!

Black Diamond Cichlid (Paratilapia polleni)

The Black Diamond Cichlid, also known as the Marakely or Polleni cichlid, is a beautiful, large Madagascar fish species with striking black and white patterns that can make a stunning addition to your African cichlid tank.

• Compatibility: 3 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 55 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – accepts a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, live and frozen options, with vegetable matter
• Max. Size: Up to 12 inches
• Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Due to its size and territorial nature, the Black Diamond Cichlid requires a spacious tank and is best suited for an experienced hobbyist. It can coexist well with other large African cichlids if given enough room to establish territories.

African Butterfly Cichlid (Anomalochromis thomasi)

The African Butterfly Cichlid is a peaceful and smaller West African species that can make a fantastic tank mate for your African cichlids, thanks to its friendly nature and captivating appearance.

• Compatibility: 4 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – enjoys flake foods, live and frozen foods, such as brine shrimp and daphnia, as well as vegetable matter
• Max. Size: Up to 3 inches
• Temperature Range: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

A great choice for beginner aquarists, the African Butterfly Cichlid’s easy-going temperament and modest size make it a compatible companion with many other smaller or similarly peaceful African cichlids. Just be sure to provide hiding spots for them in your aquarium setup.

Synodontis Catfish

Synodontis catfish are remarkable bottom-dwellers that bring character to any African cichlid tank. They blend in well with their tank mates and even provide a natural form of clean-up, feeding on uneaten food and debris.

• Compatibility: 4 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – consumes sinking pellets, flakes, live and frozen foods, with occasional vegetable matter
• Max. Size: Varies by species, ranging from 4 to 12 inches
• Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• Temperament: Peaceful, but can be aggressive if not given sufficient space

With their unique inverted swimming style and intriguing patterns, Synodontis catfish make a delightful addition to any African cichlid setup. Ensure that you provide ample cave-like structures and hiding spots for these nocturnal fish to feel secure and thrive.

Leopard Bushfish

The Leopard Bushfish, also known as Spotted Climbing Perch, is a captivating and unique fish species that can coexist with African cichlids, making them an appealing option as a tank mate.

• Compatibility: 3 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 40 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous – prefers live foods, such as insects, small fish, and shrimp, but can be trained to accept frozen alternatives
• Max. Size: Up to 6 inches
• Temperature Range: 75-86°F (24-30°C)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Leopard Bushfish requires plenty of plants and hiding spots in the tank, which will help reduce potential aggression from their tank mates. Keep in mind that they may prey on smaller fish, so avoid housing them with tiny or timid species.

Common Plecos

Plecos, or suckermouth catfish, are among the most popular choices as tank mates for African cichlids due to their hardy nature and algae-eating abilities, which contribute to maintaining a cleaner aquarium.

• Compatibility: 4 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: Depends on the species – smaller types require 30 gallons, while larger ones need 125 gallons or more
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Primarily herbivorous – feed on algae, vegetables, and algae wafers, with occasional meaty treats
• Max. Size: Varies by species, ranging from 3 to 24 inches
• Temperature Range: 72-86°F (22-30°C)
• Temperament: Generally peaceful but can be territorial with its own kind

When selecting a Pleco for your African cichlid tank, consider its adult size and choose a species best suited to accommodate the size of your aquarium. Keep in mind that these bottom-dwellers enjoy hiding spots, so provide adequate caves and crevices for them to take shelter.

Hoplo Catfish

Hoplo Catfish, with their peaceful temperament and sturdy nature, make excellent tank mates for African cichlids, coexisting harmoniously within a community tank.

• Compatibility: 4 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – enjoys a diet of sinking pellets, flakes, live and frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp
• Max. Size: Up to 6 inches
• Temperature Range: 71-77°F (22-25°C)
• Temperament: Peaceful

While they can adapt to a wide range of water conditions, Hoplo Catfish do appreciate hiding spots and plenty of plants where they can retreat when needed. These gentle bottom-dwellers are a great choice for aquarists looking for a reliable and amicable tank mate for their African cichlids.

Clown Loach

Clown Loaches are known for their vibrant coloration and playful antics, making them a delightful addition to an African cichlid tank, as long as proper water conditions are met for both species.

• Compatibility: 4 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 75 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – consumes sinking pellets, live and frozen foods like bloodworms, and vegetable matter, including blanched zucchini
• Max. Size: Up to 12 inches
• Temperature Range: 77-86°F (25-30°C)
• Temperament: Peaceful when kept in schools

These social fish thrive in groups of at least five, so make sure you have enough tank space to accommodate their needs. Provide plenty of hiding spots, and be aware that Clown Loaches enjoy uprooting plants, so choose hardy plant varieties for your aquarium setup.

Red Tail Shark

The Red Tail Shark, known for its striking appearance and assertive nature, can be a suitable tank mate for more aggressive African cichlids if the right conditions are provided.

• Compatibility: 3 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 55 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – enjoys high-quality pellets, flakes, live and frozen foods, as well as vegetables like spinach
• Max. Size: Up to 6 inches
• Temperature Range: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive, especially towards its own species

Red Tail Sharks need plenty of swimming space and hiding spots, so ensure your tank offers sufficient room and decor for them. It’s crucial to monitor their temperament, as they can become territorial and should not be housed with too timid or smaller fish species.

Giant Danios

Giant Danios, with their energetic nature and colorful appearance, make a lively addition to an African cichlid tank, keeping the environment active and engaging.

• Compatibility: 4 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – voracious eaters, feeding on flakes, live and frozen foods, as well as vegetable matter
• Max. Size: Up to 4 inches
• Temperature Range: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Temperament: Active, generally peaceful but can be fin nippers

As a schooling fish, Giant Danios appreciate the company of their own kind, so it’s best to include a group of at least five. Provide plenty of open swimming space for these agile swimmers, and remember to secure your tank with a tight-fitting lid, as they’re notorious jumpers.

Rainbow Fish

Rainbow Fish, with their dazzling colors and peaceful demeanor, can make excellent tank mates for some less aggressive African cichlid species, adding a touch of vibrancy to your aquarium.

• Compatibility: 3 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – prefers high-quality flakes, live and frozen foods, such as brine shrimp or daphnia, and enjoys vegetable matter, too
• Max. Size: Varies by species, ranging from 2 to 6 inches
• Temperature Range: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
• Temperament: Peaceful

When keeping Rainbow Fish with African cichlids, ensure that the water parameters are compatible, and select more assertive Rainbow Fish species that can hold their own among cichlids. Providing ample hiding spots and a grouped set-up will also help to ensure their comfort and well-being.

African Red-Eyed Tetra

African Red-Eyed Tetras, known for their distinctive red eyes and hardy nature, can make suitable tank mates for less aggressive African cichlids in a community aquarium.

• Compatibility: 3 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 50 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – appreciates a varied diet of high-quality flakes, live and frozen foods, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms
• Max. Size: Up to 4 inches
• Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• Temperament: Peaceful

As a schooling fish, African Red-Eyed Tetras enjoy the company of their own kind and do best in a group of at least six individuals. Ensure that you provide ample hiding spots to offer them a sense of security in a tank with other bustling species.

Siamese Algae Eater

Siamese Algae Eaters, well-regarded for their algae-eating capabilities, can make practical and compatible tank mates for many African cichlid species.

• Compatibility: 4 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – primarily consumes algae but also enjoys sinking pellets, flakes, live and frozen foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp
• Max. Size: Up to 6 inches
• Temperature Range: 75-79°F (24-26°C)
• Temperament: Peaceful

These peaceful and efficient algae eaters do well alongside less aggressive cichlid species, but it’s essential to provide them with plenty of hiding spots, such as plants and caves. Siamese Algae Eaters can coexist harmoniously, and are an excellent choice to help maintain overall aquarium cleanliness.

Flying Fox Fish

Flying Fox Fish, admired for their engaging appearance and active nature, can be suitable tank mates for selected African cichlid species in a well-planned community aquarium.

• Compatibility: 3 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – mainly feeds on algae but also appreciates sinking pellets, flakes, live and frozen foods, such as tubifex worms or daphnia
• Max. Size: Up to 6 inches
• Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• Temperament: Peaceful when young but can be territorial as adults

While they can display territorial behavior towards their own kind, Flying Fox Fish typically do well with less-aggressive African cichlids. Remember to offer plenty of hiding spots and open swimming areas to ensure everyone thrives in a harmonious and vibrant aquarium environment.

Pictus Catfish

Pictus Catfish, known for their long whiskers and unique appearance, can make an intriguing addition to a larger African cichlid tank with the right setup and conditions.

• Compatibility: 3 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 55 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous – prefers live and frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small fish, but also accepts high-quality pellets and flakes
• Max. Size: Up to 5 inches
• Temperature Range: 75-81°F (24-27°C)
• Temperament: Peaceful

These lively, nocturnal scavengers require lots of hiding spots and prefer being in small groups. Be cautious when pairing them with small or slow-moving tank mates, as they can show predatory instincts towards them.

Scat Fish

Scat Fish, recognized for their striking coloration and unique shape, can make a fascinating and resilient tank mate for African cichlids in brackish water aquariums.

• Compatibility: 2 out of 5
• Min. Tank Size: 75 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – eats a varied diet, including pellets, flakes, brine shrimp, and vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce
• Max. Size: Up to 12 inches
• Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• Temperament: Peaceful but can be territorial

While not commonly recommended for African cichlid tanks due to their preference for brackish water, if you can maintain suitable conditions for both species, Scat Fish can make an exciting and conversation-starter addition to your aquarium. Just remember to provide plenty of swimming space and hiding spots.

Tips for Choosing African Cichlid Tank Mates

When choosing African Cichlid tank mates, ensure they are of similar size and temperament, ideally passive and non-aggressive, to prevent stress and injury. Compatibility in water parameters, tank setup, and distinct coloration, feeding, and breeding behaviors are also key to reducing competition and fostering peaceful coexistence.

Temperament

Choose tank mates with a similar temperament to African cichlids. Passive and non-aggressive fish are ideal, as aggressive fish can cause stress and injury.

Size

Select tank mates that are of a similar size to African cichlids. Smaller fish can be considered prey, while too large fish may kill or harass cichlids.

Water Parameters

Ensure the selected tank mate’s water parameter requirements are compatible with those of African cichlids. Most cichlids prefer hard, alkaline water, generally with a pH between 7.8 and 8.6.

Tank Setup

Provide a suitable tank setup to accommodate both African cichlids and their tank mates. This includes ample hiding spaces, rocky decorations, and substrate compatible with both species.

Competition

Avoid adding tank mates with similar coloration, feeding, and breeding behaviors as this can lead to increased competition and aggression. Peaceful coexistence should be the main goal when selecting your African cichlid tank mates.

What are the Worst African Cichlid Tank Mates?

African Cichlids should not be kept with extremely aggressive fish, very small/slow-moving species, or fish with delicate fins due to the risk of territorial disputes, predation, and physical harm.

Incompatible water parameters, stress-prone fish, invertebrates, and South/Central American Cichlids also make poor tank mates due to differences in environmental needs, potential predation, and induced stress.

Extremely Aggressive Fish

Aggressive fish, such as red-tailed sharks or red devil cichlids, should be avoided as tank mates for African cichlids. They can cause stress by initiating territorial disputes or even inflicting harm or death.

Very Small and Slow-Moving Fish

Small and slow-moving species, like neon tetras and guppies, are not recommended tank mates for African cichlids. Cichlids may view smaller fish as food, resulting in predation.

Fish with Delicate Fins

Species that possess delicate, flowing fins, such as angelfish, should not share a tank with African cichlids. Cichlids may be tempted to nip at these fins, causing serious damage to the angelfish.

Tank Mates Requiring Different Water Parameters

Any fish that require significantly different water parameters than African cichlids, such as discus or cardinal tetras, make poor tank mates. Incompatible water parameters can lead to stress and potential health issues.

Invertebrates

Invertebrates, like snails and shrimp, are not compatible with African cichlids. Cichlids may prey upon these creatures or destroy their habitat within the tank.

Fish That Are Easily Stressed

Fish that are easily stressed, such as kuhli loaches or glass catfish, can suffer from sharing a tank with active African cichlids. A stress-inducing environment can lead to decreased health and immunity in such fish.

South and Central American Cichlids

Avoid mixing South or Central American cichlids, like the convict cichlid or green terror, with African cichlids. They have different environmental and behavioral requirements that can lead to conflict and stress within the tank.

Conclusion

Selecting the best tank mates for your African cichlids can be a complex yet rewarding task. As you explore various species suitable for coexisting with your cichlids, take into consideration each fish’s size, temperament, and environmental requirements to establish a flourishing underwater community.

By putting in the effort to research, plan, and provide the right environment for your diverse aquatic residents, you’ll be rewarded with a mesmerizing and harmonious aquarium that demonstrates the fascinating beauty of these unique creatures.