The 12 Best Tank Mates to Pair with Cichlids

Cichlids hold a special place as favorites among aquarium enthusiasts for their display of vibrant and diverse color patterns and entertaining behavior. They are interesting to watch as they have quirky behaviors like mouthbrooding and constructing intricate nests. Choosing the right tank mates for them is crucial to maintaining a harmonious and enjoyable tank experience for all the fish sharing the space. But what are the best tank mates to pair with cichlids? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we will discuss the 13 best tank mates to suit your cichlids.

Cichlids

But first, what are cichlids? This type of fish hails from various regions around the world, including Africa, South America, and Asia. With multiple types of cichlids (close to 2,000 recognized species) available, such as the African rift lake cichlid, New World cichlid, and dwarf cichlid, they come in various sizes. This makes them suitable for many different tank setups, so you can pick the one that is best suited for you. Furthermore, their adaptable nature makes it easy for hobbyists to choose cichlids that match their level of experience and the complexity they desire in their aquarium.

However, cichlids are known for their aggressive behavior, which is often the result of competition for food and space. When setting up your tank, a good rule of thumb is to have a tank size of at least 30 gallons for smaller species and around 55 gallons or more for larger species. Some larger cichlids might even require tanks of 75 gallons or larger to provide enough space for their growth and territorial behaviors. As for the water temperature, it should range between 75 to 82°F.

Due to their personalities and behaviors, it is all the more important to choose the right tank mates for your cichlids. So, without further ado, let’s get to know the 13 best tank mates to suit your cichlids.

1. Red-Tailed Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor)

Red-tailed sharks are striking fishes native to Thailand. They have a sleek black body with a vivid red tail, from which they get their name. This species typically reaches a size of around 4 to 6 inches when fully grown. Although these fish are generally peaceful and friendly in nature, they can become territorial if the tank gets crowded. So, make sure to provide a tank of around 50 gallons or more. In terms of temperature, keep the water around 72 to 79°F, which is similar to a cichlid’s water temperature needs.

To ensure these two types of fish live in harmony, ensure that there are many spots for them to hide. You can place plants and caves in their tank to maintain a good physical boundary between both species. Overall, red-tailed sharks are an easy and charming tank mate for your cichlids thanks to their similar tank needs and personalities. 

2. Flying Fox Fish (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus)

The flying fox fish can be found at the bottoms of fast-moving freshwater currents of Indonesia and Thailand. They can grow up to 6 inches in length in an aquarium setting and can live for up to eight years. Although these fish are relatively small in size, one flying fox fish needs a tank of a minimum of 55 gallons, while a small group of flying fox fish needs a tank of over 100 gallons. As they are highly active swimmers, having enough space to swim around is crucial for their well-being. They share a similar water temperature preference with the cichlids at around 74 to 81°F.

Flying fox fish are generally less aggressive and territorial than other fish species. This makes them less likely to provoke confrontations with cichlids, which can sometimes be more assertive. Additionally, they are primarily herbivores, which can be advantageous in a cichlid tank, as they can help control algae growth and contribute to maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Just make sure there are plenty of decorations for the flying fox fish to hide around.

3. Giant Danio (Devario aequipinnatus)

Giant danios are among the larger fish in the danio family and come from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India and can grow to 4 to 6 inches. Giant danios have similar water preferences to cichlids at 72 to 75°F, and a 30-gallon tank is recommended for a single giant danio.

These fish are absolutely stunning as they have shiny blue and gold bodies that light up as they swim around. Because of their beauty, ease of care, and compatibility with the cichlids, this fish is perfect for beginners who want to keep these two species in their tank. Giant danios are fast swimmers that mostly inhabit the upper to middle levels of the tank, helping them avoid direct competition with cichlids, which often prefer the middle to lower levels. Try to keep a few giant danios, around 6, to avoid them getting bullied by the cichlids.

4. Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus)

Native to the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Southeast Asia, clown loaches are often found in slow-moving rivers and streams. Clown loaches have a distinctive appearance that contrasts well with the vibrant colors of cichlids. These fish are eye-catching with their vibrant orange bodies adorned with striking black bands. Clown loaches make great tank mates for cichlids due to their peaceful demeanor. Their calm nature helps reduce the likelihood of conflicts in the tank, creating a more harmonious community in your aquarium. But make sure you have at least two in the tank when keeping them with cichlids!

When it comes to tank size, both clown loaches and cichlids appreciate spacious surroundings. Clown loaches can reach sizes of up to 7 to 12 inches, therefore, a tank capacity of at least 75 to 100 gallons is recommended to accommodate both the clown loach’s growth and the cichlid’s territorial tendencies. As for water temperature, clown loaches prefer a range of 75 to 86°F, so maintaining a water temperature of 75 to 82°F can cater to both species’ preferences. When placing these two species together, it is important to provide suitable hiding spots for them.

5. African Red-Eyed Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)

As the name suggests, African red-eyed tetras have striking red eyes that stand out against their pale coloration. They are originally from Nigeria. The African red-eyed tetra can be a compatible tank mate for cichlids due to its active yet peaceful nature. Moreover, they typically reach a size of around 3 to 4 inches in length when fully grown, and their moderate size makes them suitable tank mates for certain cichlid species. Just keep in mind that it’s probably better to keep them with smaller cichlid species rather than larger ones due to their size.

Their manageable size also allows them to thrive in moderately sized tanks without outgrowing the space too quickly. Generally, a tank with a capacity of around 40 gallons is suitable to accommodate their needs. In terms of water temperature, it prefers a range of 73 to 82°F.

6. Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus)

The Siamese algae eater is the perfect choice to add to your tank if you want a clean and algae-free aquarium. These algae eaters have a sleek body covered in a unique pattern of black and gold stripes. These helpful fish are originally from Southeast Asia, and they can grow to be around 6 inches long, making them less likely to be bulled with cichlids.

For optimal care, provide a minimum tank size of around 30 gallons to provide ample space for their movement and well-being. Water conditions should mirror their native habitat, with a temperature range of 75 to 79°F, which is the perfect range for cichlids as well.

7. Synodontis Catfish (Synodontis petricola)

The synodontis catfish is a unique freshwater catfish native to Africa. They are bottom-dwellers and can do a great job of cleaning up those tiny pieces of food that messier fish might leave behind. The synodontis catfish is around 8 inches long and requires a tank with a capacity of around 30 gallons or more. Water conditions should mimic their natural habitat, with temperatures typically ranging from 72 to 82°F, so to accommodate this catfish and a cichlid, opt for a water temperature of 75 to 82°F. As the synodontis catfish are peaceful fish that are large enough not to become targets, they make great suitable tank mates for cichlids.

8. Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus)

The pictus catfish is an extremely popular freshwater fish among aquarium enthusiasts. This is primarily due to the ease of care and the distinct “catfish” look it brings to your tank. They also make good tank mates for cichlids due to their peaceful nature and ability to inhabit the bottom levels of the tank.

The pictus catfish has a sleek body with striking black stripes and is native to South America. As they mature, they can reach around 5 to 8 inches in size. To provide them with a comfortable home, provide them with a tank of at least 50 gallons with a water temperature within the range of 72 to 78°F.

When keeping pictus catfish and cichlids together, make sure the two fish are similar in size. This is to prevent the two fish from bullying and even eating each other.

9. Lake Malawi Synodontis (Synodontis njassae)

As you might be able to guess from its name, Lake Malawi synodontis comes from Lake Malawi, where they inhabit the rocky shores and sandy bottoms. Possessing a distinctive appearance with a sleek body and patterned markings, these catfish are compatible tank mates for cichlids due to their shared natural habitat and relatively peaceful behavior. Ideally, keep the Lake Malawi synodontis with cichlid species that also originate from the same area. Thankfully, you definitely have your pick, as around 1,000 cichlid species call this lake home!

For a comfortable tank environment, this fish requires a tank of at least 50 gallons to accommodate their growth as they typically grow to sizes of 6 to 8 inches. Both Lake Malawi synodontis and cichlids share the same water temperature range of around 75 to 82°F.

10. Red-Spotted Scat Fish (Scatophagus argus)

Also known as the red scat, this species is native to brackish and freshwater environments across the Indo-Pacific, including Australia. They have a distinctive appearance with red spots on a silvery body and can reach sizes of up to 15 inches when fully grown. They are entertaining to watch as they are known for their active and playful behavior, making them one of the most popular aquarium fish.

As they are quite active, make sure to provide a spacious environment with a tank of at least 75 gallons and a water temperature between 75 to 82°F — perfect for cohabitation with cichlids. As this fish is large in size, it’s best to keep it with larger cichlid species.

11. Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma acutirostre)

The leopard bushfish can make a suitable tank mate for certain cichlid species due to its peaceful temperament and similar tank needs. This fish also tends to inhabit the middle to upper levels of the tank and has similar water temperature preferences of 73 to 82°F. Plus, they are appealing to look at and stand out in your aquarium with a mottled pattern resembling leopard spots. These fish generally grow to around 6 inches long, making them best suited for cichlids that are small to medium in size. The leopard bushfish requires a tank of at least 50 gallons.

12. Other Cichlids (Cichlidae)

Of course, you can’t complete a list of the best tank mates to pair with cichlids without mentioning other cichlids! There are almost 2,000 recognized species of cichlids, so you definitely have your pick. In fact, around 1,000 of these originate from Lake Malawi, so you already know that they would be compatible in a tank together.

It’s best practice to keep cichlids that come from the same place, as they will have the same water needs. Mixing cichlid species, such as African cichlids with American cichlids, is not generally recommended, but it is possible! Just make sure to pick cichlids that have similar temperaments and water needs.

Summary of Ideal Tank Mates to Pair With Cichilids

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Natalia Sidorova/Shutterstock.com