Can African Cichlid Live With Black Skirt Tetra?
Incompatible pH. African Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6, Black Skirt Tetra needs 6.0–7.5.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | African Cichlid | Black Skirt Tetra | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F | 70–82°F | 76–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7.8–8.6 | 6–7.5 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | aggressive | peaceful | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 8" | 3" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 55 gal | 15 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Varies by species | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | beginner | — |
Species Profiles
African Cichlid
Various (Mbuna, Peacock, Hap)
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 →Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Black skirt tetras (also sold as black widow tetras) are hardy, easy-to-care-for schooling fish with a distinctive flowing black anal fin that gives them their name. They come in natural silver-and-black and various dyed/modified versions (GloFish). The natural form is the healthiest choice. They can be mild fin nippers in small groups but are generally well-behaved community fish.
Full care guide →