Can African Butterfly Cichlid and Cherry Shrimp Live Together?

African Butterfly Cichlid is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Cherry Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means African Butterfly Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Cherry Shrimp.

African Butterfly Cichlid and Cherry Shrimp 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.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 6–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house African Butterfly Cichlid and Cherry Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 72 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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.