What types of fish can live with African Cichlid Mbuna ?

 If you are looking for a colorful fish tank that looks like a saltwater tank, the African Cichlids Mbuna tank is definitely what you should look for. African Cichlids Mbuna is a hardy fish that is easy to keep if you provided it with its minimum tank requirements. 

It's important to maintain a pH level between 7.8-8.6 and a water temperature between 78-82°F. Regular water changes and proper filtration are also necessary to keep these fish healthy. They are known for their bright colors, active behavior, and aggressive territorial nature.

Mbuna cichlids are herbivores and they are best kept in a tank with a sandy bottom and plenty of rocks and caves for them to hide and establish territories. They are known to be aggressive towards other fish species and it is best to keep them with other Mbuna cichlids of similar size and temperament.

 Mbuna Cichlids can coexist with a wide range of other African cichlids as well as large bottom-dwelling fishes like  Loaches, Corydoras, and plecos. African cichlids in general are not compatible with American cichlids and can not be mixed with them as they have different water parameter requirements. 

When choosing tank mates for your Mbuna Cichlids, there are many options available. Let’s take a look at some of the best tank mates for Mbuna, and then we will summarize what to look for in a tank mate if you like to pick another tank mate for your Mbuna Fish. 

What are the Best Tank Mates for Mbuna Cichlids? 

Mbuna cichlids are known for their aggressive territorial behavior, so it is important to choose tank mates that will not be bullied or harmed by them. 

When keeping Mbuna cichlids with other fish species, it's important to choose fish that are of similar size and temperament, and that also require similar water conditions. Some of the best suitable tank mates for Mbuna cichlids include:

Peacock Cichlids

Peacock cichlids are a species of African cichlids that are native to the lakes of East Africa, particularly Lake Malawi. They are known for their bright and vibrant colors, which is why they are called "peacocks". They are generally peaceful and less aggressive than Mbuna cichlids.

Peacock cichlids come in a variety of colors, including blue, yellow, orange, and green. They can reach up to 6 inches in length and have an elongated body shape.

In terms of tank requirements, Peacock cichlids have the same requirements as Mbuna, they need a minimum tank size of 55 gallons, and prefer a pH level between 7.8-8.6 and a water temperature between 78-82°F. They also require plenty of rocks and caves for hiding and establishing territories.

Peacock cichlids are generally hardy and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for both experienced and beginner aquarists. They are the best tank mates for Mbuna cichlids, you will find most fish keepers who keep African cichlids keep Mbuna with Peacocks in the same tank. 

What makes Peacock cichlid a good tank mate for Mbuna: 

• Peacock water requirements are the same as Mbuna
• They also need the same tank setup and decorations 
• They are big enough and have the same territories behaviors as the Mbuna so they can defend themself 

Red Tail Shark

The red tail shark, also known as the red-tail black shark, is a freshwater fish that is native to the Mekong River basin in Southeast Asia. It is not a shark but a fish species of the genus Epalzeorhynchos. They are named for their red tail fins and black body color.

Red tail sharks can reach a maximum size of around 6 inches in length. They are active fish that are known for their strong personalities and territorial behavior. They are best kept with fish that are similar in size and temperament like Mbuna Cichlid. 

Red tail sharks need a minimum tank size of 30 gallons and prefer a pH level between 6.5-7.5 and a water temperature between 72-78°F. They also require plenty of hiding places such as caves and rocks as they are territorial fish.

What makes Red Tail Shark a good tank mate for Mbuna: 

• Red Tail Shark have the same territorial behavior as Mbuna 
• They have the same tank setup requirements 
• And require the same water conditions requirements 

Clown Loach

The Clown Loach fish (Botia macracantha) is an excellent tank mate for Mbuna African cichlids, as they provide an interesting and attractive addition to the tank. The Clown Loaches have a peaceful temperament, and they will help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food and algae. They also provide a great contrast to the vibrant colors of the Mbuna cichlids. Clown Loaches can be kept in a group of six or more, and they will interact with each other, creating a lively atmosphere in the tank. Clown Loaches are also very hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, making them a good choice for Mbuna tanks.

Tropheus Cichlids 

Tropheus Cichlids are a popular choice for fish keepers due to their vivid colors and active behavior. These cichlids are native to Lake Tanganyika in Africa and exist in a variety of species, each with its own unique color patterns and personality. Tropheus Cichlids are best kept in groups of six or more, as they are a highly social species and need to be in larger groups for optimal health. They are omnivorous and require a varied diet of both meaty and vegetable-based foods. Tropheus Cichlids can be territorial and aggressive, so it is important to provide plenty of hiding places and caves for them to retreat to. They also prefer hard, alkaline water, so frequent water changes and regular testing are essential for their well-being.

Pleco

Pleco fish, also known as Plecostomus or "plecos," are a freshwater fish species that are native to South America. They are a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts, not only for their unique and striking appearance but also for their remarkable ability to help keep tanks clean by consuming algae. These fish can grow quite large, with some species reaching up to 2 feet in length. They have distinctive armored plating on their bodies and come in a variety of colors, including brown, black, and green. Plecos are nocturnal creatures and prefer to hide during the day, coming out at night to forage for food. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other fish, but they do require a tank of at least 75 gallons to thrive and be comfortable.

Scavenger (upsidedown) Catfish

The Scavenger (also known as the Upside-Down) Catfish, scientifically known as Synodontis nigriventris, is a species of freshwater catfish that is native to the Congo River basin in Africa. They are known for their unique habit of swimming upside-down, which is believed to be a behavior used to blend in with the upside-down position of dead leaves and other debris that commonly collect on the surface of the water.

In terms of physical appearance, Scavenger Catfish have a long, slender body that can reach up to 6 inches in length. They have a dark brown or black coloration on top, with a white or cream-colored belly. They have a distinctively long dorsal fin that runs the length of their body, and a short, rounded tail fin.

In terms of aquarium care, Scavenger Catfish are relatively hardy and can adapt to a variety of water conditions. They prefer a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and a temperature range of 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit. They also prefer a well-oxygenated aquarium with a moderate current, and a substrate of fine gravel or sand. They are also known to be peaceful and can be kept with other fish species.

Overall, the Scavenger Catfish is an interesting and unique addition to any freshwater aquarium, with its distinctive behavior and hardy nature making it an ideal choice for both experienced and novice aquarists alike.