Can neon tetras live with african cichlids?

Verdict
No

No. Neon tetras and african cichlids should not share a tank. Different water: neon tetras want pH 6–7, african cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6.

Neon tetraNeon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7 African cichlidAfrican cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–79°Neon tetra 72–79°African cichlid 75–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Neon tetra 6–7African cichlid 7.8–8.6
No pH suits both. One would live in the wrong water all the time.

Size to scale

Neon tetra · 1.5 inAfrican cichlid · 5 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

Neon tetraAfrican cichlid
Temperature72–79 °F75–82 °F
pH6–77.8–8.6
Adult size1.5 in5.0 in
Minimum tank10 gal55 gal
TemperamentPeacefulAggressive
Swims atMiddleAll levels
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreHerbivore

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for african cichlids

All african cichlid tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with african cichlids?

No. Neon tetras and african cichlids should not share a tank. Different water: neon tetras want pH 6–7, african cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and african cichlids?

75–79 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, african cichlids need 75–82 °F.

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

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