Can african cichlids live with black neon tetras?

Verdict
No

No. African cichlids and black neon tetras should not share a tank. African cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful black neon tetras.

African cichlidAfrican cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6 Black neon tetraBlack neon tetra73–81°F · pH 5.5–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–81°African cichlid 75–82°Black neon tetra 73–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789African cichlid 7.8–8.6Black neon tetra 5.5–7.5
No pH suits both. One would live in the wrong water all the time.

Size to scale

African cichlid · 5 inBlack neon tetra · 1.5 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

African cichlidBlack neon tetra
Temperature75–82 °F73–81 °F
pH7.8–8.65.5–7.5
Adult size5.0 in1.5 in
Minimum tank55 gal15 gal
TemperamentAggressivePeaceful
Swims atAll levelsMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for african cichlids

All african cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for black neon tetras

All black neon tetra tank mates

Questions

Can african cichlids live with black neon tetras?

No. African cichlids and black neon tetras should not share a tank. African cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful black neon tetras.

What temperature suits both african cichlids and black neon tetras?

75–81 °F. African cichlids need 75–82 °F, black neon tetras need 73–81 °F.

What size tank do african cichlids and black neon tetras need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the african cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.