african cichlids and betta fish

Question
Can these 2 breeds of fish live in the same tank?  We have a 55 gallon tank with 7 african cichlids, 1 medium size and the others are small.  The betta is a nice size.

Answer
Good evening Shawn, thank you for your question.

Sorry to say, I can't recommend bettas and African cichlids being housed in the same tank. A betta's long, flowing fins are too likely to set off their nipping tendencies. It will take them no time at all to ascertain that the betta is "not one of them." Even a female betta would not fare well, since tankmates to cichlids need to be fast moving and able to hold their own should a confrontation ensue over territory.

Your betta is best kept alone in a filtered, heated tank of 3 gallons or more. If you prefer to keep other fish besides cichlids in your 55, you have lots of options. I would recommend barbs or rainbowfish if you are looking for personality. In my own 55 full of cichlids, I have a small school of bloodfin tetras that serve the purpose of dither fish. It's a mutually beneficial relationship, since these active tetras prefer the longer tank as opposed to my 29 gallon South American community, and the cichlids feel much more at ease knowing there's someone "on the lookout" up above. Read more about dithers and tankmates for cichlids here: http://cichlidae.com/article.php?id=42

I hope that helps! Thanks for writing in.
Nicole