Can african cichlids live with blue gouramis?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. African cichlids and blue gouramis can share a tank, but watch one thing. African cichlids are aggressive. Blue gouramis hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

African cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6

Blue gourami72–82°F · pH 6–8

What to watch

Watch outAfrican cichlids are aggressive. Blue gouramis hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

What works

Both are fine at 75–82°F.
pH 7.8–8 suits both.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

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 cichlid	Blue gourami
Temperature	75–82 °F	72–82 °F
pH	7.8–8.6	6–8
Adult size	5.0 in	5.0 in
Minimum tank	55 gal	30 gal
Temperament	Aggressive	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	All levels	Top
Group	Groups of 6+	Alone or in pairs
Diet	Herbivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for african cichlids

All african cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for blue gouramis

All blue gourami tank mates

Questions

Can african cichlids live with blue gouramis?

Yes, with care. African cichlids and blue gouramis can share a tank, but watch one thing. African cichlids are aggressive. Blue gouramis hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

What temperature suits both african cichlids and blue gouramis?

75–82 °F. African cichlids need 75–82 °F, blue gouramis need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do african cichlids and blue gouramis need together?

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