Can I Put Cichlids In With Community Fish?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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For one thing, most cichlid species tend to be on the large side for aquariums. And because of the very parental protection that makes them so popular, they can be quite aggressive toward other fish species. For that reason,

cichlid species have not generally been considered a good choice for the community aquarium

.

Can you put one cichlid in a community tank?

Can cichlids live with any other fish?

They stay small, and they get along with most fish. This includes South American cichlids like the ram and checkerboard dwarf cichlid, and certain African river cichlids like the krib. These fish will generally get along with

any fish that doesn’t pick on or bully them

. They get along well with most species of tetra.

Can cichlids live with other cichlids?

Types of cichlids that can live together are cichlids from the same region. For example, African cichlids go well with other African cichlids, South American cichlids go well with other South American cichlids, and so on. In addition,

some types like Dwarf cichlid can live with other cichlids

.

Can tetras live with cichlids?

African Cichlids and tetras

Most people recommend to keep a cichlid only tank, but a lot of people add other fish and make it work. Most African cichlids grow quite big and are therefore able to eat all tetras. Therefore,

one can not keep African cichlids together with tetras

.

Will cichlids eat other cichlids?

Why are my cichlids so aggressive? In comparison with certain other common aquarium fishes, many people find cichlids to be rather aggressive fish.

Often one cichlid will chase other fish and possibly even kill other fish

.

Can I mix African and South American cichlids?

Can cichlids and guppies live together?


No, cichlids cannot live with guppies

. Cichlids are notoriously aggressive and territorial. They will attack and even try to eat your guppies. Even if your guppies survive, they’ll be incredibly stressed and hide all of the time.

What schooling fish can live with cichlids?


Tiger barbs, giant danios, and rainbows

are often recommended as good schoolers in an african tank. A lot of Malawi tank keepers also use Pseudotropheus Acie as a schooling fish, since they are also african cichlids. They get to 6′′.

Can cichlids live alone?

Can cichlids live alone?

When provided with clean water and food, in theory most cichlids are able to survive alone

. However it is best to keep at least a breeding pair or more to allow them to thrive. The only cichlid that is often kept alone is the Oscar.

What are peaceful cichlids?

Can you put 2 cichlids together?


South American River Cichlids, also known as large river cichlids, are another species that can be housed together

. They’re far less prone to aggression and can even get along with other fish like Corydoras and tetras!

Do cichlids crossbreed?

Hybrids are quite common in the cichlid hobby.

Almost any Central American cichlid will hybridize with any other

. Many of the mbuna (rock dwelling cichlids from Lake Malawi) will hybridize with each other.

Can you mix cichlids?

Because cichlids are mostly aggressive, they are generally not community fish and only do best in species tanks.

Keeping cichlids from the same region together is also recommended

. For instance, mbuna and peacock cichlids will do well together since they both come from Lake Malawi in the east coast of Africa.

What fish can go with African cichlids?


Plecos

. Plecos are an optimal choice to house with African Cichlids. Since they’re bottom feeders and feast on algae with gusto, the tank will not only stay clean but peaceful. This will give the African Cichlids plenty of room to swim around with little chance of territorial battles.

Can cichlids live with Oscars?

Can African cichlids and Oscars live together?

No, mixing African cichlids and Oscars is not recommended

because of multiple reasons. They are from different continents and require different water parameters. Also, depending on the cichlids, they will fight to the death.

What fish can live with South American cichlids?

They should be placed together with peaceful fish like

guppies, tetra, or Angelfish

, avoiding territorial larger species such as larger cichlids, betta fish, or carnivorous fish.

Are cichlids good for beginners?


If there is one universally agreed upon beginner cichlid, it’s probably the convict cichlid

. These fish are incredibly hardy, breed readily, and are extremely prolific. If someone wants to experience all a cichlid has to offer, then these are the perfect fish.

Do cichlids need a filter?

Filtration: Cichlids produce a lot of waste, more so than the average freshwater tropical fish. So

robust filtration is required to ensure good water quality

. Tip: 10-15 times the tank volume per hour. Example: A 55-gallon tank would require a 550gph filter.

Will cichlids eat minnows?


They’ll readily take worms, crickets, grass shrimp, minnows

and all the other typical panfish baits, but I say, why even bother with bait. They are such aggressive feeders that lures work just as good, if not better.

Can African cichlids live with parrot fish?

Specifically

African river cichlids do well with blood parrots

. As long as the African cichlids are roughly the same size and aggression level as the blood parrots the fish should be compatible.

Can you put American cichlids with African cichlids?

So there you have it guys,

technically you’re not supposed to mix African Cichlids with American Cichlids

, but you can twist the rules sometimes and make some exceptions. My tank is not the first tank to do it either, I’ve seen plenty out there with some crazy mixes that technically shouldn’t work but somehow they do.

Can you mix African cichlids with peacock cichlids?

Can cichlids live with mollies?


Molly and cichlids can live together

. However, you need to consider that there are more than 1000 species of cichlids and display quite different personalities. Therefore, mollies are compatible with specific species of cichlids.

What tropical fish can live together in a community tank?

Community tanks are the most popular type of tropical aquarium and community fish, the most widely available, and the biggest sellers. Popular community fish species include

Guppies, tetras, danios, rasboras, some barbs, rainbowfish, Bristlenose catfish and Corydoras catfish

.

Can I put cichlids in my freshwater tank?


Cichlids are by far one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish around

. They are known for their unique personalities and vibrant colors. Some of the most popular species of cichlids include: oscars, angelfish, discus, and convicts.

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.