Can Neon Tetra Live With African Cichlid?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. Neon Tetra needs 6.0–7.0, African Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Neon Tetra | African Cichlid | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–81°F | 76–82°F | 76–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7 | 7.8–8.6 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 1.5" | 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
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
beginnerpeaceful10+ gal
The Neon Tetra is arguably the most popular freshwater aquarium fish in the hobby. Their electric blue stripe and red tail create a stunning display, especially in large schools against a planted backdrop. Hardy, peaceful, and easy to care for, neon tetras are perfect for beginners and make excellent community tank members.
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 African Cichlid:
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