Can Afra Cichlid and Glowlight Danio Live Together?

Afra Cichlid is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Glowlight Danio is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Afra Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Glowlight Danio.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Afra Cichlid and Glowlight Danio increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Afra Cichlid and Glowlight Danio both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Glowlight Danio is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Afra Cichlid (7.6–8.6) and Glowlight Danio (6–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Afra Cichlid and Glowlight Danio together, plan for an aquarium of at least 253 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). 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.