Can African Cichlid Live With Serpae Tetra?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. African Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6, Serpae Tetra needs 5.5–7.5.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | African Cichlid | Serpae Tetra | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F | 72–82°F | 76–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7.8–8.6 | 5.5–7.5 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | aggressive | semi-aggressive | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 8" | 1.75" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| 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 →Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
beginnersemi-aggressive20+ gal
Serpae tetras are vibrant blood-red schooling fish with a distinctive black comma-shaped marking behind the gill plate. While beautiful, they have a reputation as fin nippers — especially in small groups. Keeping them in schools of 8+ in a spacious tank significantly reduces this behavior. They add bold color to community tanks when kept properly.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For African Cichlid:
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