African Cichlids (Mbuna)
African Cichlids (Mbuna) is a aggressive freshwater fish that needs a tank of at least 55 gallons (208 L), water at 76-82°F (24-28°C) and a pH of 7.8-8.6.
Also searched as: mbuna, malawi cichlid, zebra cichlid
Quick facts
Rock-dwelling. Overstock to spread aggression. Need hard, alkaline water.
| Minimum tank | 55 gallons (208 L) |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 76-82°F (24-28°C) |
| pH | 7.8-8.6 |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Swim level | All levels |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Tank type | Freshwater |
Good tank mates
No other species in the database passes the temperament and water checks for African Cichlids (Mbuna). Check a specific pairing with the stocking guide at the end of this page.
Avoid with
Pairings that fail the temperament, water-overlap or known-conflict checks.
- Discusmin tank 50 gal
Aggressive species will harass or eat peaceful fish; temperature overlap 82°F is too narrow; no pH overlap (7.8-8.6 vs 5.5-6.5).
- Angelfishmin tank 30 gal
High risk of conflict between aggressive species; no pH overlap (7.8-8.6 vs 6-7.5).
- Plecostomusmin tank 30 gal
Aggressive species will harass or eat peaceful fish; no pH overlap (7.8-8.6 vs 6.5-7.5).
- Goldfishmin tank 20 gal
Aggressive species will harass or eat peaceful fish; no temperature overlap (76-82°F vs 65-72°F); no pH overlap (7.8-8.6 vs 6.5-7.5).
- Kuhli Loachmin tank 15 gal
Aggressive species will harass or eat peaceful fish; no pH overlap (7.8-8.6 vs 5.5-7).
Check your own tank
These lists compare one species against the rest of the database. Your stock list, tank size and bioload change the answer, so log your own tank.
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