Can african cichlids live with chinese algae eaters?

Verdict
Yes, with care

Yes, with care. African cichlids and chinese algae eaters can share a tank, but watch one thing. African cichlids are aggressive. Chinese algae eaters hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

African cichlidAfrican cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6 Chinese algae eaterChinese algae eater74–80°F · pH 6–8

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–80°African cichlid 75–82°Chinese algae eater 74–80°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7.8–8African cichlid 7.8–8.6Chinese algae eater 6–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

African cichlid · 5 inChinese algae eater · 10 in0"2"4"6"8"10"
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 cichlidChinese algae eater
Temperature75–82 °F74–80 °F
pH7.8–8.66–8
Adult size5.0 in10.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal75 gal
TemperamentAggressiveSemi-aggressive
Swims atAll levelsBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Alone or in pairs
DietHerbivoreHerbivore

Better tank mates for african cichlids

All african cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for chinese algae eaters

All chinese algae eater tank mates

Questions

Can african cichlids live with chinese algae eaters?

Yes, with care. African cichlids and chinese algae eaters can share a tank, but watch one thing. African cichlids are aggressive. Chinese algae eaters hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

What temperature suits both african cichlids and chinese algae eaters?

75–80 °F. African cichlids need 75–82 °F, chinese algae eaters need 74–80 °F.

What size tank do african cichlids and chinese algae eaters need together?

At least 75 gal, set by the chinese algae eater. Add space for each extra fish.