Can african cichlids live with lemon tetras?

Verdict
No

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

African cichlidAfrican cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6 Lemon tetraLemon tetra72–82°F · pH 5.5–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–82°African cichlid 75–82°Lemon tetra 72–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789African cichlid 7.8–8.6Lemon 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 inLemon tetra · 2 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 cichlidLemon tetra
Temperature75–82 °F72–82 °F
pH7.8–8.65.5–7.5
Adult size5.0 in2.0 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 lemon tetras

All lemon tetra tank mates

Questions

Can african cichlids live with lemon tetras?

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

What temperature suits both african cichlids and lemon tetras?

75–82 °F. African cichlids need 75–82 °F, lemon tetras need 72–82 °F.

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

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