Can African Butterfly Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish Live Together?
Yes, African Butterfly Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 500 litres is recommended.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle African Butterfly Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish?
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
African Butterfly Cichlid is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Lima Shovelnose Catfish is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Lima Shovelnose Catfish may occasionally assert dominance over African Butterfly Cichlid.
African Butterfly Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish 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.
Worth noting: Lima Shovelnose Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Lima Shovelnose Catfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
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 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 4–15 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 Lima Shovelnose Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 500 litres with a minimum length of 150 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), 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 African Butterfly Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish.
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 Lima Shovelnose Catfish live together?
Yes. African Butterfly Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.
What size tank do African Butterfly Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish need?
A minimum of 500 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Lima Shovelnose Catfish together?
Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are African Butterfly Cichlid or Lima Shovelnose Catfish aggressive?
African Butterfly Cichlid is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Lima Shovelnose Catfish is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do African Butterfly Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish need?
Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
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.
Does Lima Shovelnose Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?
Lima Shovelnose Catfish 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 Lima Shovelnose Catfish during evening hours.
Related Comparisons
African Butterfly Cichlid & Altolamprologus Calvus
·
African Butterfly Cichlid & Blue Dolphin (Hap)
·
African Butterfly Cichlid & Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
·
African Butterfly Cichlid & Frontosa
·
African Butterfly Cichlid & Neon Blue Cichlid
·
African Butterfly Cichlid & Pseudotropheus Acei
·
Lima Shovelnose Catfish & Bullseye Catfish
·
Lima Shovelnose Catfish & Channel Catfish
·
Lima Shovelnose Catfish & Cuckoo Catfish
·
Lima Shovelnose Catfish & Domino Synodontis
·
Lima Shovelnose Catfish & Dwarf Petricola
·
Lima Shovelnose Catfish & Featherfin Squeaker
·