Can rainbow sharks live with african cichlids?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Rainbow sharks and african cichlids can share a tank, but watch one thing. Different water: rainbow sharks want pH 6.5–7.5, african cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6.

Rainbow shark72–80°F · pH 6.5–7.5

African cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6

What to watch

Watch outDifferent water: rainbow sharks want pH 6.5–7.5, african cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6.
Watch outAfrican cichlids are aggressive. Rainbow sharks hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

What works

Both are fine at 75–80°F.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

No pH suits both. One would live in the wrong water all the time.

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

	Rainbow shark	African cichlid
Temperature	72–80 °F	75–82 °F
pH	6.5–7.5	7.8–8.6
Adult size	6.0 in	5.0 in
Minimum tank	55 gal	55 gal
Temperament	Semi-aggressive	Aggressive
Swims at	Bottom	All levels
Group	One per tank	Groups of 6+
Diet	Omnivore	Herbivore

Better tank mates for rainbow sharks

All rainbow shark tank mates

Better tank mates for african cichlids

All african cichlid tank mates

Questions

Can rainbow sharks live with african cichlids?

Yes, with care. Rainbow sharks and african cichlids can share a tank, but watch one thing. Different water: rainbow sharks want pH 6.5–7.5, african cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6.

What temperature suits both rainbow sharks and african cichlids?

75–80 °F. Rainbow sharks need 72–80 °F, african cichlids need 75–82 °F.

What size tank do rainbow sharks and african cichlids need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the rainbow shark. Add space for each extra fish.