How to Keep Rainbow Fish With African Cichlids

Among the thousands of types of African cichlids, there are three main ones: carnivores, herbivores and omnivores. Many people choose to put African cichlids in their fish tanks because of their color and beauty. However, these fish are known for their aggression and can turn the other fish in the tank into their prey. Rainbow fish are also known for their beauty. Putting the two species together requires a little bit of research and an understanding of the African cichlid's aggression patterns.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish food
Show More

Instructions

    • 1
      Start with a juvenile cichlid.

      Select a juvenile African cichlid over an adult cichlid. Allow the juvenile to mature in the tank before getting another fish. This will familiarize the cichlid with its environment and allow it to gradually acclimate to its surroundings.

    • 2
      Know how large the cichlid will get.

      Determine how large the juvenile cichlid will get before purchasing it. Cichlids can grow to upwards of 10 inches and will prey on smaller fish in your tank.

    • 3
      Avoid mixing fish of the same species or color with the African cichlid.

      Study the pattern and colors on the African cichlid and compare it to the pattern and colors on a rainbow fish. Cichlids are aggressive toward their own species or fish that look like their own species. Choose two fish with very different colors and patterns.

    • 4

      Choose an adult rainbow fish--once the cichlid has matured--that is as close to the size of the adult African cichlid as possible.

    • 5
      Provide a mixed habitat for your fish.

      Determine the preferred habitat of each fish and dress your tank to cater to both habitats. For example, rainbow fish like open spaces, gravel and places to hide when startled. Get an African cichlid with a different habitat preference, such as a rock-dweller, to avoid territorial disputes between the two fish.

    • 6

      Determine the eating habits of both fish. Rainbow fish are omnivores that will eat flake, pellet and live foods. Find out if the cichlid is a carnivore, herbivore or omnivore and make sure to feed it accordingly so both fish have their own food sources.