Can African Cichlid Live With Molly?
❌Not Compatible
African Cichlid is aggressive and will likely attack or stress tank mates.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | African Cichlid | Molly | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F | 72–82°F | 76–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7.8–8.6 | 7–8.5 | 7.8–8.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | aggressive | peaceful | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 8" | 4.5" | 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 →Molly
Poecilia sphenops
beginnerpeaceful20+ gal
Mollies are versatile livebearers that come in many varieties including black, dalmatian, balloon, and sailfin. They prefer hard, alkaline water and can even tolerate brackish conditions. They are active, personable fish that breed easily.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For African Cichlid:
For Molly:
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