Can Afra Cichlid and African Butterfly Fish Live Together?
Afra Cichlid and African Butterfly Fish are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. 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 Afra Cichlid and African Butterfly Fish?
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.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Behaviour & Temperament
Afra Cichlid is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while African Butterfly Fish is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Afra Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over African Butterfly Fish.
In terms of spatial distribution, Afra Cichlid prefers the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) zones, whereas African Butterfly Fish occupies the Top (Surface) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.
Worth noting: African Butterfly Fish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, African Butterfly Fish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Afra Cichlid (7.6–8.6) and African Butterfly Fish (6–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Tank Setup
To house Afra Cichlid and African Butterfly Fish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 259 litres with a minimum length of 120 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), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Afra Cichlid and African Butterfly Fish.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
Feeding products to consider
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Afra Cichlid and African Butterfly Fish live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Afra Cichlid and African Butterfly Fish need?
A minimum of 259 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Afra Cichlid and African Butterfly Fish together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Afra Cichlid or African Butterfly Fish aggressive?
Afra Cichlid is semi-aggressive (8/10) and African Butterfly Fish is moderately assertive (5/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Afra Cichlid and African Butterfly Fish need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Afra Cichlid prefers 7.6–8.6, while African Butterfly Fish needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Afra Cichlid's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Afra 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.
Does African Butterfly Fish being nocturnal affect compatibility?
African Butterfly Fish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches African Butterfly Fish during evening hours.
Related Comparisons
Afra Cichlid & African Jewel Cichlid
·
Afra Cichlid & Altolamprologus Compressiceps
·
Afra Cichlid & Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)
·
Afra Cichlid & Black Diamond Cichlid
·
Afra Cichlid & Buccochromis lepturus
·
Afra Cichlid & Buccochromis rhoadesii
·
African Butterfly Fish & Arapaima
·
African Butterfly Fish & African Knifefish
·
African Butterfly Fish & Buettikoferi Bichir
·
African Butterfly Fish & Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
·
African Butterfly Fish & Reedfish (Ropefish)
·
African Butterfly Fish & Senegal Bichir
·