Can African Cichlid Live With Swordtail?
❌Not Compatible
African Cichlid is aggressive and will likely attack or stress tank mates.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | African Cichlid | Swordtail | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F | 72–82°F | 76–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7.8–8.6 | 7–8.4 | 7.8–8.4 ✓ |
| Temperament | aggressive | peaceful | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 8" | 5.5" | 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 →Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
beginnerpeaceful20+ gal
Swordtails are hardy, colorful livebearers named for the distinctive elongated lower tail fin (the 'sword') found on males. They come in many color varieties including red, pineapple, marigold, and tuxedo. Larger than guppies but just as easy to care for, swordtails are excellent community fish that prefer hard, alkaline water.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For African Cichlid:
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