Can African Butterfly Fish and Malawi Hawk Live Together?
African Butterfly Fish and Malawi Hawk 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 Fish and Malawi Hawk?
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.
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Behaviour & Temperament
African Butterfly Fish is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Malawi Hawk is semi-aggressive (7/10). This modest difference means Malawi Hawk may occasionally assert dominance over African Butterfly Fish.
African Butterfly Fish and Malawi Hawk both frequent the Top (Surface) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.
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 African Butterfly Fish (6–7.5) and Malawi Hawk (7.8–8.6) 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.
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Tank Setup
To house African Butterfly Fish and Malawi Hawk together, plan for an aquarium of at least 475 litres with a minimum length of 180 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: Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with low (still water) 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 Fish and Malawi Hawk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can African Butterfly Fish and Malawi Hawk live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do African Butterfly Fish and Malawi Hawk need?
A minimum of 475 litres (tank length at least 180 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 Fish and Malawi Hawk 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 African Butterfly Fish or Malawi Hawk aggressive?
African Butterfly Fish is moderately assertive (5/10) and Malawi Hawk is semi-aggressive (7/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do African Butterfly Fish and Malawi Hawk need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. African Butterfly Fish prefers 6–7.5, while Malawi Hawk needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage African Butterfly Fish's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives African Butterfly Fish 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.
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