Can Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) and Licorice Gourami Live Together?
Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) and Licorice Gourami are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) and Licorice Gourami?
Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) may occasionally assert dominance over Licorice Gourami.
Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) and Licorice Gourami 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: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 6. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
Hardness requirements are incompatible: Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) needs 5–15 dGH while Licorice Gourami requires 0–4 dGH.
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Tank Setup
To house Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) and Licorice Gourami together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 90 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Licorice Gourami's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.
Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) and Licorice Gourami.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Diet & Feeding
Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Licorice Gourami.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) and Licorice Gourami live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) and Licorice Gourami need?
A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 90 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.
What water temperature is best for Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) and Licorice Gourami together?
Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) or Licorice Gourami aggressive?
Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) is moderately assertive (6/10) and Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) and Licorice Gourami need?
Both species overlap in the 6–6 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
How do I manage Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid)'s territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid) space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.
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