Why can't you mix African and American cichlids?

[Maroonostrich]

Hi, I saw someone telling someone that you can't keep African and American cichlids in the one tank.

I am sure they are right, but I am really curious as to why? Are their habitats that different, do they fight, do they like different water chemistry or temperature?

Please tell, I'm nosy! And got no fish to mix up so don't worry about that!

 

[Peter Lovett]

Well its because they speak a different language when a south American Cichlid say i don't want to fight the African see it as I want to fight and visa versa. But there are also water chemistry issues with the lake cichlids from Africa. which is why you should not keep lake fish and river fish together either.

Hope that helps.