Can African Cichlid Live With Cherry Barb?
Incompatible pH. African Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6, Cherry Barb needs 6.0–7.0.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | African Cichlid | Cherry Barb | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F | 73–81°F | 76–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7.8–8.6 | 6–7 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | aggressive | peaceful | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 8" | 2" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| Min Tank Size | 55 gal | 10 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 →Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
Cherry barbs are one of the most peaceful barb species, making them ideal for community tanks. Males develop a deep cherry-red coloration when mature and in breeding condition, while females remain more subdued with brown-pink tones. Unlike their more boisterous relatives like tiger barbs, cherry barbs are gentle, shy, and compatible with even the most delicate tank mates.
Full care guide →