Can Afra Cichlid and Red Breasted Acara Live Together?

Afra Cichlid is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Red Breasted Acara is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This notable difference means Afra Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Red Breasted Acara.

Afra Cichlid and Red Breasted Acara both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species. Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Afra Cichlid (7.6–8.6) and Red Breasted Acara (5.5–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Afra Cichlid and Red Breasted Acara together, plan for an aquarium of at least 256 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Afra Cichlid is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Red Breasted Acara's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Afra Cichlid and Red Breasted Acara are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.