Cichlid
Five rules that prevent most problems
- Same region, same water. Keep Malawi with Malawi, Amazon with Amazon.
- Match temperament. A peaceful keyhole and a Jack Dempsey are not a fair match.
- Match size. If it fits in a cichlid's mouth, it will eventually be food.
- Avoid look alikes. Similar looking species fight more and can crossbreed. Pick species with different colors and patterns.
- Give them structure. Rock and wood that break line of sight give weaker fish places to escape.
Lake Malawi tanks
Mbuna are usually kept in a group, either one male with several females per species or all males of different species. Mixing mbuna with peacocks or haps can work for experienced keepers, but pushy mbuna can stress gentler peacocks and outcompete them for food.
South and Central American tanks
Dwarf cichlids like rams and apistos usually fit well in calm community tanks with peaceful fish that like similar water. Big Central Americans and oscars are best with tank mates their own size, and many are happiest as a single fish or a bonded pair.
Common mixes to avoid
| Mix | Why it goes wrong |
|---|---|
| Oscars with small tetras | Small fish become food. |
| Angelfish with neon tetras | Adult angelfish often eat small neons. |
| Mbuna with South Americans | Different water and diet, and mbuna aggression overwhelms them. |
| Two look alike mbuna species | Constant fighting and possible hybrids. |
| Breeding pair in a small community tank | Parents defend fry and attack everything nearby. |
When fighting starts
- Rearrange the rock work. It resets territories and often calms things down.
- Add more hiding places and break lines of sight.
- Check ratios. A lone female with an aggressive male is in danger.
- Use a tank divider or rehome a fish that will not settle.
Frequently asked questions
Can different cichlids live together?
Yes, if they come from the same region, need the same water, and are similar in size and temperament. Avoid look alike species.
How do I stop cichlids from fighting?
Add more rock work, rearrange territories, correct male to female ratios, and remove a fish that keeps bullying.
What fish can live with African cichlids?
Some keepers add robust fish like synodontis catfish or bristlenose plecos. Avoid small, slow or peaceful community fish.
What you will need
- Lace rock or cichlid stoneCaves and broken sight lines.Check price on Amazon
- Tank dividerSeparate a bully or a breeding pair.Check price on Amazon
- Second filter for extra flowBusy tanks need extra filtration.Check price on Amazon
- Breeder boxProtect fry or an injured fish.Check price on Amazon
- Aquarium cavesInstant territory for shy fish.Check price on Amazon
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