Can african cichlids live with congo tetras?

Verdict
No

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

African cichlidAfrican cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6 Congo tetraCongo tetra73–82°F · pH 6–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–82°African cichlid 75–82°Congo tetra 73–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789African cichlid 7.8–8.6Congo tetra 6–7.5
No pH suits both. One would live in the wrong water all the time.

Size to scale

African cichlid · 5 inCongo tetra · 3 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 cichlidCongo tetra
Temperature75–82 °F73–82 °F
pH7.8–8.66–7.5
Adult size5.0 in3.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal30 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 congo tetras

All congo tetra tank mates

Questions

Can african cichlids live with congo tetras?

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

What temperature suits both african cichlids and congo tetras?

75–82 °F. African cichlids need 75–82 °F, congo tetras need 73–82 °F.

What size tank do african cichlids and congo tetras need together?

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