Can African Cichlid Live With Congo Tetra?
Incompatible pH. African Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6, Congo Tetra needs 6.0–7.5.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | African Cichlid | Congo Tetra | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F | 73–82°F | 76–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7.8–8.6 | 6–7.5 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | aggressive | peaceful | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 8" | 3.5" | 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)
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 →Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Congo tetras are the showstoppers of the tetra family. Males develop spectacular flowing fins with an iridescent rainbow sheen that shifts from blue to gold to green under aquarium lighting. They are larger than most tetras (up to 3.5 inches) and need a spacious, well-planted tank to display their full beauty. Peaceful but shy — they thrive with calm tank mates.
Full care guide →