Can African Butterfly Fish and Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) Live Together?

African Butterfly Fish is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) is semi-aggressive (8/10). This modest difference means Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) may occasionally assert dominance over African Butterfly Fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, African Butterfly Fish prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) occupies the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

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.

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 Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) (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.

To house African Butterfly Fish and Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 269 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: Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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.

African Butterfly Fish and Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.