Can Red Zebra Cichlid live with Ember 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 Red Zebra Cichlid and Ember Tetra for 5 specific conflict codes. Plan for at least 55 gallons.
No, avoid this pairing
Data confidence: high
- predator_prey_riskEmber Tetra is prey-sized compared with adult Red Zebra Cichlid.
- aggression_riskAggression or territorial behavior needs extra space, cover, and careful observation.
- biotope_mismatchMalawi mbuna are territorial hard-water cichlids, not peaceful community fish; this pairing mixes incompatible behavior and water expectations.
- ph_range_conflictEmber Tetra is prey-sized compared with adult Red Zebra Cichlid.
- gh_kh_mismatchEmber Tetra is prey-sized compared with adult Red Zebra Cichlid.
Verified sources: Mbuna overview | Labidochromis caeruleus overview
red zebra cichlid | ember tetra | red zebra cichlid | ember tetra
Water parameter comparison
Red Zebra Cichlid temperature72-82F
Ember Tetra temperature72-82F
Red Zebra Cichlid pH7.5-8.6
Ember Tetra pH5.5-7.5
Red Zebra Cichlid GH10-20 dGH
Ember 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.