Can African Cichlid Live With Ocellaris Clownfish?
❌Not Compatible
Cannot coexist — African Cichlid is freshwater, Ocellaris Clownfish is saltwater.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | African Cichlid | Ocellaris Clownfish | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F | 75–82°F | 76–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7.8–8.6 | 8–8.4 | 8–8.4 ✓ |
| Temperament | aggressive | semi-aggressive | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 8" | 3.5" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 55 gal | 20 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Varies by species | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | beginner | — |
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 →Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
beginnersemi-aggressive20+ gal
The ocellaris clownfish — star of Finding Nemo — is the most popular saltwater aquarium fish and one of the best choices for beginner reef keepers. Captive-bred specimens are hardy, readily available, and don't require an anemone host (though they will happily adopt one). They are one of the few marine fish that breed regularly in home aquariums.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For African Cichlid:
For Ocellaris Clownfish:
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