Can African Cichlid Live With Dwarf Gourami?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. African Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6, Dwarf Gourami needs 6.0–7.5.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | African Cichlid | Dwarf Gourami | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F | 77–82°F | 77–82°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 | 10 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 →Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
beginnerpeaceful10+ gal
Dwarf gouramis are stunning labyrinth fish with vibrant red and blue striped patterns. Like bettas, they can breathe atmospheric air. Males are colorful while females are silvery. They are generally peaceful but males can be territorial with each other.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For African Cichlid:
For Dwarf Gourami:
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