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African Cichlid

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Mbuna spp.

Complete African Cichlid care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, aggressive temperament, minimum 55 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Advanced.

African Cichlid

Quick Answer

African Cichlid (Mbuna spp.) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 55 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 7.8 - 8.6 and temperature range of 24-28°C. As a omnivore with aggressive tendencies, careful tankmate selection is essential.

Intro

African Cichlid (Mbuna spp.) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their aggressive nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the middle levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

African Cichlid requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 55 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 24-28°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 7.8 - 8.6 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a omnivore, the African Cichlid is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

African Cichlid has a aggressive temperament. They are compatible with other fish of similar sizes and temperaments. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: neon tetra, cardinal tetra, guppy, molly, platy, corydoras, discus, angelfish.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
24-28°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
7.8 - 8.6

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

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Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Butterflyfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet semanticSimilarity Bala Shark Care Guide: Tank Size & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity Clown Loach Care Guide: Substrate & Diet semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many African Cichlids should be kept together to manage aggression?
Maintain a minimum group of 12 to 15 individuals in a tank footprint of at least 48x18 inches (120x45 cm) and volume of 75 gallons (280 liters) for Rift Lake species. Overstocking (15-20 fish per 75 gallons) disperses territorial aggression, preventing dominant males from single-target harassment. For Malawi Mbuna, maintain a ratio of 1 male to 3-4 females. Inadequate numbers (under 6) lead to constant fighting, fin damage, and stress-induced Malawi bloat. Provide multiple rock caves and visual barriers spaced at least 12 inches (30 cm) apart.
What are the precise water chemistry requirements for African Rift Lake Cichlids?
Target pH 7.8 - 8.6, General Hardness 10 - 18 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 8 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 250 - 450 ppm, and Electrical Conductivity 500 - 900 μS/cm. Use aragonite or crushed coral substrate to maintain buffering capacity. Temperature must be held at 74°F - 80°F (23°C - 27°C). Ammonia and nitrite must remain at 0 ppm; nitrates below 20 ppm. For Lake Tanganyika species, increase dKH to 10-15 and pH to 8.0-9.0. Never use soft water or peat filtration, as acidic conditions dissolve their calcium-based skeletal structures.
What is the advanced nutritional protocol for African Cichlids?
Diet is lake-specific: Lake Malawi Mbuna are strict herbivores requiring 70% plant matter (spirulina flakes, blanched zucchini, nori). Feeding them meaty proteins (bloodworms, brine shrimp) causes fatal Malawi bloat (intestinal blockage). Peacocks and Haplochromis are omnivores with a 60% carnivore/40% herbivore mix: cichlid pellets with 35-40% protein, supplemented with mysis shrimp and krill. Avoid tubifex and beef heart, which cause digestive issues. Feed 2-3 small portions daily, fasting one day per week. Medication alert: Copper is toxic; use metronidazole for hexamita infections.
How to simulate breeding conditions for African Cichlids?
Trigger spawning by raising temperature to 80°F - 82°F (27°C - 28°C) and performing a 30% water change with slightly cooler (2°F/1°C) hard water (10 dGH). Increase photoperiod to 12 hours of bright light. Mbuna and Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders: the female lays 10-40 eggs, picks them up, then fertilized by male's egg-spots. She incubates for 18-24 days at 78°F (25°C), then releases 0.2-inch (5 mm) fry. Strip eggs artificially on day 5-7 for higher yield (up to 90% survival). Fry accept crushed flakes and baby brine shrimp immediately.

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