Can other species of fish be kept with African Cichlids?

Answer 1

With caution, they can be kept with
new world cichlids
barbs
Cory cats
larger catfish, loaches
Plecos
sharks
Here is a compatibility chart
http://www.liveaquaria.com/general/fwcompatibility_chart.cfm
A

Answer 2

A few African Cichlids are not aggressive but otherwise this is the general rule of thumb. Stick with Golden Shark, Irredescent Green Shark, Clown Loach Weather Loach, other Botias all of large size. Catfish of medium 4-6" or larger size with flat mouth, IE: silver shark cat, Pictus cats, Raphaels and Zamora Cunchi. Choose a sturdy Pleco like a Sailfin or Rhino. These are suggestions and actual selections we sell. Clown Loaches should be in groups of 3 or more, as they are schooling fish. Provide lots of hiding places for African Cichlids Catfish and Loaches. Have fun with the tank.

Answer 3

I wouldn't recommend it. However, within the Species of African cichlids, there are more and less aggressive sub-species. If you have a set that is less aggressive, you can try mixing them with others. Sometimes they will leave bottom feeders alone, but I've also seen plecos shredded to nothing but bones by a tank of cichlids, so I still wouldn't recommend it.

Answer 4

For scavengers try african synodontis catfish. These catfish are semi-aggressive and are capable of holding their own in an aggressive african cichlid tank.

While some other scavengers (like plecos or cories) lose their eyes or lives to african cichlids, I've had success with bristlenose plecos (you'll want places in your tank that they can totally hide in during the day).

Tropical fish are at risk of getting bullied, killed or eaten and should not be added.

Answer 5

Yes. Results will vary based upon the types of fish involved and your tank setup. I have lots of caves in my 55-gallon tank. In addition to many cichlids, I keep 2 plecos, 2 clown loaches, 4 giant danios and 1 red tailed shark. No problems with these guys.

Answer 6

I wouldn't recommend it. Cichlids are pretty territorial, especially with any fish that aren't their size or level of aggression. That's what has really kept me from getting them. I prefer to see my fish swimming around happily together rather than trying to eat each other.