Can African Butterfly Cichlid and Cyprichromis Leptosoma Live Together?
African Butterfly Cichlid and Cyprichromis Leptosoma 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 African Butterfly Cichlid and Cyprichromis Leptosoma?
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
Both African Butterfly Cichlid and Cyprichromis Leptosoma are generally mild-mannered species with an aggression score of 3/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.
African Butterfly Cichlid and Cyprichromis Leptosoma 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: Cyprichromis Leptosoma 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 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of African Butterfly Cichlid (5.5–7.5) and Cyprichromis Leptosoma (8–9) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Tank Setup
To house African Butterfly Cichlid and Cyprichromis Leptosoma together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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 African Butterfly Cichlid and Cyprichromis Leptosoma.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Feeding products to consider
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can African Butterfly Cichlid and Cyprichromis Leptosoma live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do African Butterfly Cichlid and Cyprichromis Leptosoma need?
A minimum of 200 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 African Butterfly Cichlid and Cyprichromis Leptosoma together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are African Butterfly Cichlid or Cyprichromis Leptosoma aggressive?
African Butterfly Cichlid is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Cyprichromis Leptosoma is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do African Butterfly Cichlid and Cyprichromis Leptosoma need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. African Butterfly Cichlid prefers 5.5–7.5, while Cyprichromis Leptosoma needs 8–9. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage African Butterfly Cichlid's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives African Butterfly 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.
Related Comparisons
African Butterfly Cichlid & Altolamprologus Calvus
·
African Butterfly Cichlid & Blue Dolphin (Hap)
·
African Butterfly Cichlid & Frontosa
·
African Butterfly Cichlid & Azureus Cichlid
·
African Butterfly Cichlid & Afra Cichlid
·
African Butterfly Cichlid & African Jewel Cichlid
·
Cyprichromis Leptosoma & Malawi Eyebiter
·
Cyprichromis Leptosoma & Malawi Hawk
·
Cyprichromis Leptosoma & Trout Cichlid (Champsochromis)
·
Cyprichromis Leptosoma & Ajamaru Rainbowfish
·
Cyprichromis Leptosoma & Allen's Rainbowfish
·
Cyprichromis Leptosoma & Altolamprologus Compressiceps
·