Can Ember Tetra Live With African Cichlid?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. Ember Tetra needs 5.5–7.0, African Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Ember Tetra | African Cichlid | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–84°F | 76–82°F | 76–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 5.5–7 | 7.8–8.6 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 0.8" | 8" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 55 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Varies by species | — |
| Care Level | beginner | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
beginnerpeaceful10+ gal
Ember tetras are tiny, fiery-orange schooling fish that add a warm glow to planted tanks. At under 1 inch, they are perfect for nano tanks and make excellent companions for shrimp.
Full care guide →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 →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For Ember Tetra:
For African Cichlid:
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