Can Electric Yellow Cichlid live with Neon Tetra?

Troubleshooting community setups: see the compatibility result using temperature, pH, GH/KH, adult size, behavior, schooling needs, and predator/prey rules.

Quick Summary: No, this pairing should usually be avoided. We evaluated Electric Yellow Cichlid and Neon Tetra for 5 specific conflict codes. Plan for at least 55 gallons.

red

No, avoid this pairing

Data confidence: high

Verified sources: Mbuna overview | Labidochromis caeruleus overview

electric yellow cichlid | neon tetra | electric yellow cichlid | neon tetra

Observed photo context

Observed aquarium photo examples

These photos show observed aquarium setups for the selected species. They are useful context, but they do not change the compatibility result or replace tank-size, temperament, group-size, and water-parameter checks.

Neon tetra in a freshwater aquarium
Neon tetra in a freshwater aquarium.
Electric yellow cichlid in a retail Malawi cichlid tank
Electric yellow cichlid in a retail Malawi cichlid tank.

Water parameter comparison

Electric Yellow Cichlid temperature73-80F
Neon Tetra temperature72-78F
Electric Yellow Cichlid pH7.5-8.6
Neon Tetra pH6-7.5
Electric Yellow Cichlid GH10-20 dGH
Neon Tetra GH1-10 dGH
Minimum tank55 gal
Last updated2026-06-11

Confidence: high. Aggression, predator/prey, shrimp risk, schooling, and tank size rules are evaluated from curated freshwater attributes.

Next steps

Related profiles