25 Electric Yellow Cichlid Tank Mates
Are you looking for great tank mates for your Electric Yellow Cichlids? Look no further! This article will introduce you to 25 suitable companions that can coexist peacefully with your vibrant fish, creating a diverse and harmonious aquatic environment.
Clown Loach
The Clown Loach is an attractive, active, and playful fish with orange to reddish stripes on its body. Many aquarists choose them as an electric yellow cichlid tank mate due to their striking appearance, sociable nature, and bottom-dwelling habits which prevent territorial competition.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 100 gal (379 liters)
- Temperature Range: 75-86°F (24-30°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; feeds on bottom-based food, small invertebrates, and vegetable matter
- Adult Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
Please keep in mind that Clown Loaches can grow quite large and require a spacious tank to accommodate their active nature. Provide plenty of hiding spots and ensure clean water conditions to keep your Clown Loach healthy and happy.
Featherfin Squeaker Synodontis Catfish
The Featherfin Squeaker Synodontis Catfish is an excellent tank mate for Electric Yellow Cichlids. They come in various species with attractive patterns and sizes, making them a visually appealing addition to your aquarium.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 50 gallons (190 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; they enjoy a variety of food, such as pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. They are also known to scavenge for uneaten food and algae in the tank.
- Adult Size: 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm)
These catfish are native to African rivers, and they require a well-oxygenated aquarium with hiding places like caves or driftwood. Make sure to include sand or smooth pebbles as a substrate to protect their barbels from injury. With proper care, they can be a fantastic addition to your Electric Yellow Cichlid tank and coexist in harmony.
Rusty Cichlid
The Rusty Cichlid (Iodotropheus sprengerae) is a beautiful fish native to Lake Malawi in Africa. They’re known for their attractive rust-colored markings and are relatively easy to care for in an aquarium setting. If you’re considering adding a Rusty Cichlid to your Electric Yellow Cichlid tank, there are some factors you need to keep in mind:
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 55gal (208l)
- Temperature Range: 74-78°F (23-26°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; should be fed a varied diet that includes flakes, granules, and live or frozen foods.
- Adult Size: 4-5 inches (10-12.7 cm)
Before introducing a Rusty Cichlid into your tank, ensure that you have an adequately sized aquarium and maintain stable water conditions to ensure both species thrive together.
Yellow Tail Acei Cichlid
Yellow Tail Acei Cichlid, also known as the Yellow Tail Mbuna, is an attractive and peaceful fish species native to Lake Malawi in Africa. This vibrant cichlid is a great choice for your electric yellow cichlid tank mates as they get along well together.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 50 gal (189 L) minimum for a group
- Temperature Range: 75 – 82°F (24 – 28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful, social, and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; feed them a varied diet, including quality cichlid pellets, spirulina flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: 4 – 5 inches (10 – 13 cm)
Having Yellow Tail Acei Cichlids as tank mates will not only add a pop of color to your aquarium but also offer an enjoyable and social environment for your fish.
Upside Down Catfish
The Upside Down Catfish, also known as Synodontis nigriventris, is a unique and fascinating fish species known for swimming upside down. Native to the Congo River Basin in Africa, this peculiar fish can add a sense of wonder and excitement to your electric yellow cichlid tank.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (113 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22–28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, accepts most foods including flakes, frozen, and live foods
- Adult Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
Upside Down Catfish make great tank mates for electric yellow cichlids due to their peaceful nature and compatibility with similar water conditions. They are active fish that enjoy exploring their environment, and provide added visual interest with their unusual swimming behavior.
Make sure to provide them with plenty of hiding spots and maintain proper water parameters to ensure their optimal health and well-being.
Giant Danios
Giant Danios are an energetic and colorful fish species that can make a suitable tank mate for Electric Yellow Cichlids. They are larger than the average danio, which allows them to coexist with cichlids without facing the risk of being eaten.
They have a peaceful temperament and are known to be active swimmers. This shoaling fish prefers to live in groups, and adding them to a cichlid tank will create a lively and engaging environment.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (113 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-78°F (22-25°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; Flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish are a colorful and active species of fish that can make a great addition to an Electric Yellow Cichlid tank. These fish are native to the rivers and lakes of Australia and New Guinea, and their stunning iridescent colors make them a popular choice among aquarium hobbyists.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (113 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-78°F (22-25°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful and social
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, consume small insect larvae, crustaceans, and prepared flake foods
- Adult Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
Rainbowfish are schooling fish, so they thrive when kept in groups of at least six individuals. They are generally peaceful and will not typically pose a threat to your Electric Yellow Cichlid, making them ideal tankmates in a community setup. Just make sure to provide enough space and hiding spots for both species in the aquarium.
Bristlenose Pleco
The Bristlenose Pleco, also known as the Bushynose Pleco, is a popular freshwater fish that is a great addition to your Electric Yellow Cichlid tank. These bottom-dwelling creatures are known for their unique, bristle-like appearance and their exceptional ability to keep your aquarium clean.
The Bristlenose Pleco is very peaceful and gets along well with its tank mates, including other cichlids.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 30 gal (113 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-86°F (22-30°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; prefers algae wafers, fruits, and a variety of vegetables
- Adult Size: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
These fish are undemanding, hardy, and relatively low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for both experienced and beginner aquarium hobbyists.
Red Zebra Cichlid
The Red Zebra Cichlid is an attractive and hardy fish that can be an excellent tank mate for your electric yellow cichlids. These fish are mostly herbivorous and can be found in the rocky areas of Lake Malawi. It is essential to provide them with a varied diet, as a poor diet can lead to aggressive behavior.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 50 gal (190 liters)
- Temperature Range: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivore; should be fed a variety of algae-based foods and vegetables
- Adult Size: 5 inches (12.7 cm)
Red Zebra Cichlids are stunning and active fish that can coexist well with electric yellow cichlids. Just be mindful of their requirements and diet to ensure a peaceful and thriving community tank.
Blue Moorii
The Blue Moorii, also known as the Blue Dolphin Cichlid, is a strikingly beautiful fish species. With its vibrant blue coloration and unique hump on its head, this cichlid makes an excellent addition to community aquariums with Electric Yellow Cichlids.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 55 gal (208 L) or larger
- Temperature Range: 75-81°F (24-27°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful, but can exhibit territorial behavior
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; diet should include a mix of plant-based foods, high-quality pellet or flake foods, and occasional frozen or live foods (e.g., brine shrimp, bloodworms)
- Adult Size: 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
It’s essential to provide plenty of swimming spaces and hiding spots for Blue Moorii in the tank, as they can be territorial, especially during breeding times. To ensure a harmonious environment, you should keep them with similarly sized, peaceful tank mates.
Kenyi Cichlid (Maylandia lombardoi)
Kenyi Cichlids are an interesting addition to your Electric Yellow Cichlid tank. With their enchanting blue hues and striking patterns, these African cichlids can enliven the atmosphere in your aquarium. However, it’s worth noting that they can be territorial, so ample space and hiding spots are necessary to keep aggression in check.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 55 gal (208 L)
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, accepts pellets, flakes, and live/frozen foods
- Adult Size: 4-5 inches (10-13 cm)
To ensure a harmonious environment, consider keeping one male with multiple females. This eases any tensions that may arise while also creating an aesthetically pleasing setting for your Electric Yellow Cichlids to thrive in.
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara species)
The Peacock Cichlid, belonging to the Aulonocara species, is a popular and colorful addition to your electric yellow cichlid tank. These vibrantly colored fish are native to Lake Malawi in Africa and add a unique visual appeal to your tank.
However, proper research and planning should be conducted before introducing Peacock Cichlids into your tank to ensure their compatibility with electric yellow cichlids.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; should be fed a mix of high-quality pellets or flakes, along with occasional frozen or live foods
- Adult Size: 5-6 inches (12-15 cm)
Star Sapphire Cichlid (Placidochromis Phenochilus)
Placidochromis Phenochilus is an elegant and peaceful fish that can share a tank with Electric Yellow Cichlids. These cichlids originate from Lake Malawi, where they have a reputation for being relatively easy to care for and are known for their stunning blue hues with white patches.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 50 gal (190 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; feed a mix of high-quality pellet foods or flakes supplemented with fresh or frozen brine shrimp and spirulina.
- Adult Size: 6-7 inches (15-18 cm)
Zebra Obliquidens (Astatotilapia latifasciata)
The Zebra Obliquidens is a beautiful and active fish that can be a great addition to an Electric Yellow Cichlid tank. Hailing from Lake Victoria in Africa, these fish boast striking color patterns and peaceful personalities that make them perfect for your aquarium.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 50 gal (189 L) minimum
- Temperature Range: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous diet – Flake, pellet food, live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: 4-5 inches (10-13 cm)
The Zebra Obliquidens are known to be friendly and sociable, making them an ideal companion for your Electric Yellow Cichlids. Just make sure to provide them with ample swimming space and a mix of hiding spots and open areas to thrive.
Frontosa Cichlid
The Frontosa Cichlid is a beautiful, large and deep-bodied fish native to East Africa’s Lake Tanganyika. Its elegant appearance and unique predatory behavior make it a popular addition to electric yellow cichlid tanks. Here’s what you need to know about this fascinating species:
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (285 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous, preferably high-quality pellet food and frozen foods
- Adult Size: Up to 16 inches (40 cm)
Keep in mind that Frontosa Cichlids are not suitable for small cichlid tanks due to their larger size. Also, they may display semi-aggressive behavior, so it’s essential to provide plenty of hiding spots and monitor their interactions with tank mates.
With the right care and attention, Frontosa Cichlids can coexist with electric yellow cichlids, making your aquarium even more vibrant and lively.
Red Empress (Protomelas taeniolatus)
Red Empress, scientifically known as Protomelas taeniolatus, is a popular tank mate for Electric Yellow Cichlids. They are compatible with non-aggressive cichlids, making them excellent additions to a community tank.
With their striking colors and peaceful nature, they are sure to attract attention and create an exciting underwater environment.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 liters)
- Temperature Range: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; should be fed a variety of high-quality pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
When choosing a Red Empress, remember to provide ample hiding places within the tank to help maintain a stress-free environment for all inhabitants, including your Electric Yellow Cichlid.
Livingstone’s Cichlid
Livingstone’s Cichlid is an intriguing tank mate for your Electric Yellow Cichlid as it brings in striking color and unique behavior to your aquarium. This species is native to the Lake Malawi in Africa and tends to grow quite large, so make sure to provide them ample space to swim and thrive.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 75 gal (284 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivores; prefer live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and krill
- Adult Size: Up to 10 inches (25 cm)
Adopting a semi-aggressive temperament, Livingstone’s Cichlid does well with other larger and equally assertive tank mates. However, they can be territorial, so ensure to include hiding spots and avoid overcrowding. Remember, a well-balanced diet will help them display their fascinating colors and keep them active throughout their lives.
Venustus Cichlid
The Venustus Cichlid, also known as the Giraffe Cichlid, is a unique and striking species native to Lake Malawi. These fish are known for their distinctive markings, which include blue and yellow body spots with elongated dorsal and anal fins.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 75 gallons (284 liters) or larger
- Temperature Range: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, should be fed a variety of sinking pellet or flake foods supplemented with live or frozen foods (e.g. brine shrimp and bloodworms)
- Adult Size: 10 inches (25 cm)
To ensure a harmonious tank environment, it is essential to choose suitable tank mates for your electric yellow cichlids. Venustus Cichlids can be a great option, as they are social and can coexist with other cichlids.
However, be cautious while selecting smaller tank mates, as Venustus may show some dominance or even eat smaller fish. Always monitor the behavior of your fish and make necessary adjustments to create a peaceful and thriving aquarium community.
Jewel Cichlid
The Jewel Cichlid is a stunning fish species that’s known for its colorful and vibrant appearance. However, these beautiful fish are also known for being semi-aggressive, which is why they can be suitable tank mates for larger and hardier Electric Yellow Cichlids.
When it comes to tank conditions, providing ample hiding places and maintaining proper water parameters is essential for the Jewel Cichlid’s well-being.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gal (114 L) and above
- Temperature Range: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, requires a varied diet of pellets, live, and frozen foods
- Adult Size: 5-6 inches (12-15 cm)
Buffalo Head Cichlid (Steatocranus casuarius)
The Buffalo Head Cichlid is an interesting and unique addition to electric yellow cichlid tanks. This West African fish is known for its protruding forehead, making it stand out from other tank mates. If you are looking for an eye-catching tank mate that is compatible with electric yellow cichlids, consider the Buffalo Head Cichlid.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gal (113 liters)
- Temperature Range: 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, supplement with high-quality pellets
- Adult Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
Keep in mind that these cichlids may become territorial during breeding, so providing hiding spots and maintaining water quality are essential for a harmonious tank environment.
Cuckoo Catfish
The Cuckoo Catfish, a fascinating addition to your aquarium, have earned their name because of their unique breeding behavior, similar to that of the cuckoo bird. These fish are known for sneaking their eggs into the nests of other cichlids. Here are some essential points to consider when introducing Cuckoo Catfish to your electric yellow cichlid tank:
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 55 gallons (209 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; they enjoy a mix of meaty foods and high-quality dry foods
- Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
Cuckoo Catfish make great tank mates for electric yellow cichlid due to their peaceful disposition and ability to coexist with other cichlids. Just ensure that you accommodate them with a tank of the appropriate size and the right conditions for them to thrive.
Golden Julie
The Golden Julie Cichlid (Julidochromis ornatus) is a popular African cichlid species that comes from the beautiful rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. This small, colorful, and unique cichlid makes a great addition to your Electric Yellow Cichlid tank.
With its distinctive yellow and black coloration, the Golden Julie adds visual interest to the tank. It is also known for its relatively peaceful behavior. However, remember that it can show some territorial aggression, especially during breeding.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30+ gallons (114+ liters)
- Temperature Range: 75-82°F (23.9-27.8°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore with a preference for meaty foods, like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and high-quality flake food. Supplement with spirulina for added nutrition.
- Adult Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
Maingano Cichlid (Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos)
The Maingano Cichlid is an attractive Mbuna species native to Lake Malawi. They’re known for their unique blue and black horizontal striping that adds a touch of vibrancy to any aquarium. This cichlid is compatible with other Mbuna and similar-sized fish, though it’s crucial to provide ample hiding spots and monitor for aggression.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 55 gallons (209 liters)
- Temperature Range: 78-82°F (25-28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, feed with a balanced diet of high-quality pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm)
Kribensis Cichlid
Kribensis Cichlids, also known as Pelvicachromis pulcher, are beautiful and colorful addition to a cichlid tank. They are relatively small fish and originate from West Africa. Kribensis Cichlids add lively and captivating colors to your tank, making them a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (113 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 75-79°F (24-26°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful, but can be territorial during breeding
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – high-quality pellet food, along with frozen or live foods
- Adult Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
These fish are compatible with Electric Yellow Cichlids as they have similar care requirements and peaceful temperaments. However, it is essential to provide hiding spots for breeding Kribensis, as they can become territorial during this time.
Raphael Catfish
The Raphael Catfish is a unique addition to your electric yellow cichlid tank. This nocturnal fish is known for its armor-like external plating and preference to dwell at the bottom of the tank. They’re a peaceful species, making them a great tank mate for your cichlids.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 30 gal (114 L) minimum
- Temperature Range: 75-81°F (24-27°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; feed them sinking pellets, live or frozen foods, and vegetables
- Adult Size: 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Raphael Catfish do well in a community environment and prefer hiding in caves or crevices. Be sure to provide them with plenty of hiding spots and a soft substrate for them to dig in.
Conclusion
There are numerous fascinating and diverse tank mates that can thrive alongside your Electric Yellow Cichlids. This not only creates a more visually appealing and vibrant aquarium but also promotes a healthier and more engaging environment for your aquatic pets. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, experiences, or any additional tank mate suggestions in the comments below!
