Can african cichlids live with paradise fish?

Verdict

Yes, with care

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

African cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6

Paradise fish61–79°F · pH 6–8

What to watch

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

What works

Both are fine at 75–79°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	Paradise fish
Temperature	75–82 °F	61–79 °F
pH	7.8–8.6	6–8
Adult size	5.0 in	3.5 in
Minimum tank	55 gal	20 gal
Temperament	Aggressive	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	All levels	Top
Group	Groups of 6+	One per tank
Diet	Herbivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for african cichlids

All african cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for paradise fish

All paradise fish tank mates

Questions

Can african cichlids live with paradise fish?

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

What temperature suits both african cichlids and paradise fish?

75–79 °F. African cichlids need 75–82 °F, paradise fish need 61–79 °F.

What size tank do african cichlids and paradise fish need together?

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