Can African Cichlid Live With Zebra Danio?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. African Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6, Zebra Danio needs 6.5–7.5.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | African Cichlid | Zebra Danio | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F | 65–77°F | 76–77°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7.8–8.6 | 6.5–7.5 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | aggressive | peaceful | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 8" | 2.5" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| 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 →Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
beginnerpeaceful10+ gal
Zebra danios are one of the hardiest, most energetic freshwater fish in the hobby. Their horizontal blue and silver stripes and constant darting motion add life to any aquarium. They tolerate a remarkably wide range of conditions, from cool subtropical to warm tropical temperatures, making them ideal for beginners. They are also the species used as the basis for GloFish.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For African Cichlid:
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