7 Best African Cichlid Tank Mates (With Pictures)

As passionate fish-keeping enthusiasts, we know the joy and challenges that come with curating the perfect aquatic community. In this guide, we dive into the art of selecting the ideal African cichlid tank mates — companions that not only coexist harmoniously but also enhance the beauty of your underwater kingdom. 

Join us as we explore the top 7 tank mates, complete with pictures that’ll make your cichlid haven even more spectacular. 

African Cichlid Recap

These spirited fish are renowned for their vibrant personalities, but understanding their behavior is key to creating a harmonious aquatic community. African Cichlids, with their dynamic social structures, often show territorial instincts that rival any drama series. It’s like having tiny underwater monarchs claiming their royal domains!

As you search for the best African Cichlid tank mates, it’s crucial to recognize and appreciate their territorial nature. Selecting companions that respect these boundaries is a must. Think of it as casting characters in a play — each fish should have a role that complements rather than clashes. 

7 Compatible Tank Mates for African Cichlids

Ready to turn your aquarium into a bustling, harmonious community? We’re thrilled to present our carefully curated list of the top 7 “African Cichlid tank mates” that’ll elevate your underwater world. These finned companions aren’t just roommates; they’re the perfect cast to complement the vibrant personalities of your African cichlids. Get ready to meet some fin-tastic friends who’ll make your aquatic space truly spectacular!

1. African Red-Eyed Tetra

With its striking red eyes and sleek silver body, the African Red-Eyed Tetra is a visual stunner. These energetic swimmers add an extra layer of vibrancy to your aquarium. Known for their schooling nature, these tetras thrive in groups. Their active swimming patterns and dazzling colors make them an exciting addition to the tank.

Compatibility Insights:

• Size: Typically grows to around 2 inches (5 centimeters).
• Diet: Omnivore — enjoys a varied diet of both flakes and live or frozen foods.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful, making them suitable companions for African cichlids.
• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended for a school of African Red-Eyed Tetras.

2. Zebra Loach

The Zebra Loach boasts distinctive black and white stripes, resembling a tiny underwater zebra. Their playful antics and unique appearance make them a delightful addition. Zebra Loaches are bottom-dwellers, often exploring and scavenging for food. Their social nature adds an interactive element to your tank.

Compatibility Insights:

• Size: Typically reaches 4 inches (10 centimeters).
• Diet: Omnivore — enjoys a mix of sinking pellets, live, and frozen foods.
• Temperament: Peaceful and sociable, providing an excellent balance in the aquarium.
• Tank Size: A 30-gallon (115 liters) tank is suitable for a small group of Zebra Loaches.

3. Plecostomus

Plecos are known for their distinctive armor-like appearance and their efficiency in keeping algae in check. Nocturnal by nature, Plecos are diligent algae grazers, contributing to a cleaner tank environment.

Compatibility Insights:

• Size: Depending on the species, Plecos can vary in size, ranging from small to over a foot in length.
• Diet: Primarily herbivores — their diet includes algae wafers, fresh vegetables, and sinking pellets.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful, but some larger species may become territorial.
• Tank Size: Ensure a spacious tank of at least 75 gallons (285 liters) for larger Pleco varieties.

4. Rainbowfish

Rainbowfish are renowned for their iridescent scales, resembling a living rainbow. Their graceful swimming and vibrant colors make them a captivating addition to any aquarium. These fish are known for their peaceful demeanor and active schooling behavior. Rainbowfish add a lively and dynamic element to the tank.

Compatibility Insights:

• Size: Depending on the species, Rainbowfish can range from 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 centimeters).
• Diet: Omnivores — they thrive on a diet that includes high-quality flakes and live foods.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful, making them suitable tank mates for African cichlids.
• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons (115 liters) is recommended for a school of Rainbowfish.

5. Clown Loach

With their vibrant colors and playful behavior, Clown Loaches add a touch of whimsy to the aquarium. Their distinctive appearance makes them stand out in a crowd. Clown Loaches are social fish that enjoy the company of their kind. They are known for their playful antics and bottom-dwelling nature.

Compatibility Insights:

• Size: Clown Loaches can grow up to 12 inches (30 centimeters), so ensure a sufficiently large tank.
• Diet: Omnivores — their diet includes sinking pellets, live foods, and vegetables.
• Temperament: Peaceful, but they can become territorial if not provided with ample hiding spaces.
• Tank Size: A 75-gallon (285 liters) tank is suitable for a group of Clown Loaches.

6. Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras Catfish are charming bottom-dwellers known for their unique facial whiskers and playful demeanor. These catfish are social and thrive in groups. They contribute to the cleanliness of the tank by scavenging for food.

Compatibility Insights:

• Size: Typically grows to 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters), depending on the species.
• Diet: Omnivores — their diet includes sinking pellets, live, and frozen foods.
• Temperament: Peaceful and suitable for community tanks, making them compatible with African cichlids.
• Tank Size: A 20-gallon (75 liters) tank is suitable for a small group of Corydoras.

7. Barbs

Barbs come in various colors and sizes, adding diversity and energy to the aquarium. Their active swimming patterns make them engaging to watch. Barbs are known for their playful and sometimes nippy behavior. Selecting the right species is crucial for peaceful cohabitation.

Compatibility Insights:

• Size: Depending on the species, Barbs can range from 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 centimeters).
• Diet: Omnivores — they thrive on a varied diet of flakes, live, and frozen foods.
• Temperament: Some species can be nippy, so choose non-aggressive varieties — such as cherry, snakeskin, and gold barbs — for a harmonious tank.
• Tank Size: A 30-gallon (115 liters) tank is suitable for a school of Barbs.

FAQs

Can I Put African Cichlids and American Cichlids Together?

For novice aquarium enthusiasts, we suggest limiting mixing African and American cichlids. This approach simplifies the task of maintaining the correct water parameters and conditions in the tank. American cichlids typically have distinct requirements compared to African cichlids, so it’s advisable to keep them in separate setups, especially if you are still getting the hang of fishkeeping.

What Is the Easiest Cichlid to Keep?

For cichlid enthusiasts looking for a beginner-friendly option, the Electric Yellow Lab (Labidochromis caeruleus) is a fantastic choice. With its vibrant yellow color, manageable size, and adaptable nature, it’s like having a cheerful and easy-to-care-for companion in your aquatic journey.

What Is the Most Aggressive Cichlid Species?

When it comes to cichlid toughness, the infamous Red Devil Cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) takes the crown. Known for its territorial behavior and feisty attitude, it’s like having the underwater equivalent of a heavyweight champion — best kept in a dedicated tank to avoid conflicts.

How Many Cichlids Can I Have in The Tank?

The number of cichlids for one tank depends on tank size, species, and individual temperament. It’s like planning a fishy neighborhood — ensure proper space, hiding spots, and monitor interactions. In a well-balanced setup, you can have a bustling community of African cichlid tank mates without causing underwater traffic jams.

What Are Dither Fish for Cichlids?

Dither fish, like Rainbowfish or African Red-Eyed Tetras, act as confident swimmers that help reduce cichlid aggression by diverting their attention. They’re like the outgoing neighbors who bring a positive vibe to the community, creating a more harmonious environment for your African cichlid tank mates.

Discover More Tank Mates With Aquabuildr!

As we wrap up this African cichlid tank mates guide, remember, your aquatic adventure has just begun! Explore even more fin-tastic companions and expert resources on Aquabuildr, the ultimate fish-keeping app. 

With Aquabuildr’s intelligent algorithm, you can effortlessly build your dream aquarium, ensuring optimal conditions for your beloved African cichlid tank mates. Ready to take the plunge? 

Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for FREE!