African cichlid care

Water temperature

75–82°F

Keep african cichlids at 75–82°F with a pH of 7.8–8.6, in a tank of at least 55 gallons. Good tank mates include mystery snails, ghost shrimp, cherry shrimp.

Lake Malawi mbuna need hard alkaline water and a crowded rock pile to spread aggression.

Pseudotropheus / Maylandia spp. (mbuna)

pH: 7.8–8.6
Minimum tank: 55 gal
Adult size: 5.0 in
Temperament: Aggressive
Group: Groups of 6+
Lifespan: 5–10 years
Swims at: All levels
Diet: Herbivore

Best tank mates

Full african cichlid tank mate chart: 7 yes, 22 with care, 69 no

African cichlid water compared

African cichlid next to its best tank mates. Overlap is what lets two species share a heater setting.

pH range. Tap water in most US cities sits between 7 and 8.

Adult size to scale.

Fish to keep away from african cichlids

Angelfish African cichlids are aggressive, and slow, long-finned angelfish cannot escape them.
Oscar An adult oscar eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 5 inches african cichlids do.
Tiger barb African cichlids are aggressive and much bigger than tiger barbs.
Goldfish Goldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); african cichlids need 75–82°F. No temperature suits both.
Clown loach African cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful clown loaches.
Discus Different water: discus want pH 5.5–7, african cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6.
Betta African cichlids are aggressive, and slow, long-finned bettas cannot escape them.
Axolotl Axolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); african cichlids need 75–82°F. No temperature suits both.