Can Otocinclus Catfish Live With African Cichlid?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. Otocinclus Catfish needs 6.0–7.5, African Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Otocinclus Catfish | African Cichlid | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 76–82°F | 76–79°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 7.8–8.6 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 2" | 8" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 55 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Herbivore | Varies by species | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus spp.
intermediatepeaceful10+ gal
Otocinclus catfish (otos) are tiny, peaceful algae eaters that are incredibly effective at controlling soft green algae and diatoms in planted tanks. They are the gold standard for planted tank algae control, often preferred over larger plecos. However, they are somewhat delicate and require established, well-maintained aquariums.
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 Otocinclus Catfish:
For African Cichlid:
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