Can firemouth cichlids live with chinese algae eaters?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Firemouth cichlids and chinese algae eaters can share a tank, but watch one thing. Both claim territory on the bottom. Give each its own cave and plenty of floor space.

Firemouth cichlid75–86°F · pH 6.5–8

Chinese algae eater74–80°F · pH 6–8

What to watch

Watch outBoth claim territory on the bottom. Give each its own cave and plenty of floor space.

What works

Both are fine at 75–80°F.
pH 6.5–8 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

	Firemouth cichlid	Chinese algae eater
Temperature	75–86 °F	74–80 °F
pH	6.5–8	6–8
Adult size	6.0 in	10.0 in
Minimum tank	30 gal	75 gal
Temperament	Semi-aggressive	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	Bottom	Bottom
Group	Alone or in pairs	Alone or in pairs
Diet	Omnivore	Herbivore

Better tank mates for firemouth cichlids

All firemouth cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for chinese algae eaters

All chinese algae eater tank mates

Questions

Can firemouth cichlids live with chinese algae eaters?

Yes, with care. Firemouth cichlids and chinese algae eaters can share a tank, but watch one thing. Both claim territory on the bottom. Give each its own cave and plenty of floor space.

What temperature suits both firemouth cichlids and chinese algae eaters?

75–80 °F. Firemouth cichlids need 75–86 °F, chinese algae eaters need 74–80 °F.

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

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