With Basic Care Guide
Aqualifeexpert.com Presents
Souvik Nag
Tank mates should be bottom dwellers, fast-moving & large
Tank mates should be schooling fish.
Tank mates should belong to the same water condition, lake or area.
Tank mates should be the similar adult size & temperament.
Fish that need different water conditions to thrive.
Small peaceful fish species are not allowed as tank mates of African Cichlids.
Other types of cichlids which are too aggressive or territorial in nature.
Fish that are less active in captivity.
No other species are as suitable as them. African cichlids thrive better within them. So try to make a community tank by analyzing their temperament & behavior well.
Size = 2"-12"
Only adult zebra loach can be the tank mate of African cichlids. They should be in a shoal of 5-7 nos. A larger group of zebra loach means they will stay healthy & happy in the cichlid tank.
Size = 3"-4"
Redtail sharks are considered semi-aggressive fish species & territorial in nature. They are perfect tank mates of African cichlids because of their similar temperaments. They prefer vegetation in the tank.
Size = 6"
Paratilapia can be aggressive toward others of its kind, so you must keep this fish as a single specimen or a monogamous pair. A large tank should have lots of hiding places. Only experienced fishkeepers should keep them.
Size = 6"-11"
Jewel cichlids can be suitable tank mates if the tank is very large with proper hiding places. This fish can be aggressive enough if they feel stressed, overstocked, or underfed.
Size = 2.5"-10"
As giant danios are small compared to African Cichlids so rainbow fish should be there as a companion. They roam around the bottom or middle of the tank. So the tank should be large enough to keep them safe.
Size = 4"
The tank must be very large if you want rainbowfish as a tank mate of African cichlids. Otherwise, they can become a free meal to them.
Size = 4"
Siamese algae eaters are another bottom dweller that can be kept as tank mates of African Cichlids. They are good for a community tank & won't provoke cichlids. They help to clean tanks well.
Size = 6"
Clown loaches are semi-aggressive species & a suitable tank mate for African cichlids. They prefer to hide all day long. So the tank must contain caves, driftwoods, plantations, & other hiding places.
Size = 6"-8"
Plecos are the bottom dwellers & algae eaters. So it helps to clean the tank all time. As they stay at the bottom of the tank all time so African Cichlids get enough room. However, a large tank is required for them.
Size = 24"
Flying fox fish are very friendly & easy to take care of. So they can be a good tank mate of African Cichlids. However, the tank should be plenty of caves, plants & driftwoods.
Size = 8"