Cichlids are beautiful, brightly colored freshwater fish that dwell in the tropical waters of Africa, Central America, and South America. While they make a wonderful addition to any aquarium, hobbyists beware as they can be quite aggressive in nature. Right now, you may be wondering if cichlids can live in harmony with other tropical fish. Well, I have the answer for you below:
Contrary to popular belief, cichlids can live in harmony with other tropical fish, provided they are outnumbered so they cannot gang up on or ‘bully’ the smaller fish. As well, the other singular fish in the tank should be the same size or bigger than the cichlids to keep their hostile tendencies at bay. South American cichlids are the least aggressive and therefore do quite well in a community tank.
Now that you know it is possible to have cichlids with other tropical fish in a community tank, let us explore this topic further and in more detail below. We will discuss which make the best tank mates for African cichlids (which are the most aggressive of the cichlid family) as well as whether (or not) you can keep angelfish, guppies, and rams with cichlids.
So, if you are ready to learn more about keeping cichlids with other fish in captivity, then please read onward…
Can You Mix African Cichlids with Other Fish?
Truth be told, there are not many fish that get along well with African cichlids which is due mainly to the cichlid’s aggressive tendencies. However, if you do intent to keep more than one species of fish in an aquarium, the best tank mates for your African Cichlids include the following:
The Clown Loach
The clown loach is a semi-aggressive fish that can hold its own against the more aggressive African cichlid. As this fish is a bottom-feeder, it will often spend most of its time on the tank floor and away from the free-swimming cichlid. Like the African cichlid, this fish too likes to hide so be sure to have enough rocks, driftwood, caves, etc. to go around otherwise the fish are likely to ‘fight’ for space.
The Red Rainbow
The red rainbow fish can live harmoniously with the African cichlid because it is large, brightly colored and has a big mouth. Its intimidating appearance will often prevent the more aggressive cichlid from harassing it. Smaller species of rainbow fish, however, are not recommended as they are more likely to become dinner for the African cichlid!
The Giant Danio
The giant danio is large and therefore makes a good tank mate for the African cichlid. Bigger fish appear to the cichlid as a formidable force not to be reckoned. This minimizes its aggressive tendencies and helps create a harmonious aquarium environment. A few plants in the tank are necessary for the health of the danio, however, do not put in too many as they will likely be uprooted by the cichlid.
The African Red Eye Tetra
The African red eye tetra is a large fish and thrives in the same aquatic conditions as the African cichlid, making it the ideal tank mate. Both need plenty of room to swim about so be sure your aquarium is big enough (at least a 55-gallon tank). Like the African cichlid, the African red eye tetra is not a picky eater and will eat algae, flakes, and frozen foods.
The Leopard Bushfish
Like the African cichlid, the leopard bushfish is also aggressive in nature and therefore will not succumb to bullying. It has a unique tendency to disguise itself as a leaf by laying motionless at the bottom of the tank. This allows it to go ‘unnoticed’ which is why it should be housed mainly with larger fish. It will not eat the same thing as the African cichlid so there will no hostile competition for food.
The Pleco
The pleco is a big, bottom-feeding fish. It stays close to the substrate in the tank and therefore will not compete with the African cichlid for space in the aquarium. It sticks mainly to the floor of the tank which allows the cichlid plenty of room to swim freely, thus keeping its aggressive nature at bay. As well, this fish provides the added benefit of keeping the aquarium clean!
Can Angelfish Live with Cichlids?
An angelfish is a smaller type of cichlid and is often considered one of the more docile of all known cichlid species. For this reason alone, it should not be kept with bigger, more aggressive fish, like the African cichlid.
As well, since the angelfish is an example of a South American cichlid, it should not be kept with cichlids from other countries as they have different water composition requirements. Where South American cichlids like soft or acidic water, African cichlids prefer hard or alkaline water.
Can Angelfish Live with Malawi Cichlids?
Since angelfish are a peaceful fish and the least aggressive of the cichlid species, it should not share a tank with a Malawi cichlid. The Malawi fish is a species of African cichlid and, as such, is known for its aggressive behaviour. The angelfish would not stand a chance! Instead, choose tank mates of similar size and temperament for Malawi cichlids.
Angelfish should be put in a community tank with other docile cichlid fish such as rams, rainbow kribs, and keyholes. More cichlids that make good tank mates for angelfish include blue acaras, red discus, dwarfs, and heroes. You should consider other calm tropical fish like barbs, cories, gouramis, rasboras, and tetras.
Can Algae Eaters Live with Cichlids?
Chinese algae eaters, for the most part, can live with cichlids in a community tank. Be mindful, however, that as this species gets bigger and older, it may become more aggressive towards its tank mates. The best algae eater to put in an aquarium with cichlids is the bristlenose catfish from the ancistrus family.
The larger, adult algae eaters house well with African cichlids as they tend to stick closer to the bottom of the tank and away from free swimming cichlids. Also, the two will not compete for food as cichlids do not usually eat algae.
Can Ram Cichlids Live with Guppies?
In general, ram cichlids can live in harmony with guppies in a community tank. Rams are considered one of the more docile species of cichlid, so they tend to get along with other peaceful fish, like guppies. Other cichlids that house well with guppies include angelfish, dwarfs, kribs, and keyholes. Basically, any small, sociable fish can be put in an aquarium with guppies.
Will Cichlids Eat Guppies?
Cichlids tend to eat anything that fits into their mouths! Therefore, chances are good that the larger, more aggressive African species of cichlid fish will eat guppies in a community tank. Those from South America known as dwarf cichlids (aspistogrammas, nannacaras, ivanacaras, laetacaras, crenicaras, etc.) are smaller and less likely to eat guppies.
What are the Least Aggressive Cichlids?
South American cichlids are the smallest and least aggressive fish in the cichlid family. They are not as hostile or territorial as Central American or African cichlids, which are larger in size and moderately to extremely aggressive in nature. Usually, the smaller the fish, the less aggressive it is. However, individual temperaments will vary. Angelfish, for example, are quite big (up to 10 inches tall) yet very docile.
Conclusion
To conclude, cichlids can live peacefully with other tropical fish, provided they are of similar size and temperament. South American cichlids are the least aggressive whereas Central American cichlids are moderately aggressive and African cichlids are the most aggressive. This should be kept in mind when choosing fish for your community tank.
Hopefully, this article has been helpful to you. Thanks for reading and good luck, fellow aquarium hobbyist!
Related Aquariums at Home Articles
How to Stop Cichlid Aggression?
What Cichlids Can Live Together?
Are Discus Hard to Care For? [What You Must know]
Simplified Freshwater Angelfish Care Guide for Beginners
What Fish Can Live With Neon Tetras? [15 Not So Obvious Choices]
Cichlids for a Planted Tank (Which Ones are Best?)
