Can African Cichlid Live With Angelfish?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. African Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6, Angelfish needs 6.0–7.5.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | African Cichlid | Angelfish | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F | 76–84°F | 76–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7.8–8.6 | 6–7.5 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | aggressive | semi-aggressive | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 8" | 6" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 55 gal | 30 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Varies by species | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
African Cichlid
Various (Mbuna, Peacock, Hap)
intermediateaggressive55+ gal
African cichlids from Lakes Malawi, Tanganyika, and Victoria are among the most colorful freshwater fish. They are active, intelligent, and aggressive — requiring specific tank setups with plenty of rock formations and overstock strategies to manage aggression.
Full care guide →Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
intermediatesemi-aggressive30+ gal
Freshwater angelfish are elegant, tall-bodied cichlids that are a centerpiece in many community aquariums. They come in many color varieties including silver, marble, koi, and black. While generally peaceful, they become territorial when breeding and will eat small fish like neon tetras.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For African Cichlid:
For Angelfish:
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