Can African Jewel Cichlid and Licorice Gourami Live Together?
African Jewel Cichlid and Licorice Gourami 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 Jewel Cichlid and Licorice Gourami?
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 Jewel Cichlid is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means African Jewel Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Licorice Gourami.
Large aggression gap (6 points) between African Jewel Cichlid and Licorice Gourami increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.
African Jewel Cichlid and Licorice Gourami 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.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of African Jewel Cichlid (6.5–7.5) and Licorice Gourami (3–6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–4 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
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Tank Setup
To house African Jewel Cichlid and Licorice Gourami together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 90 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: African Jewel Cichlid is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Licorice Gourami's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.
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 Jewel Cichlid and Licorice Gourami.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can African Jewel Cichlid and Licorice Gourami live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do African Jewel Cichlid and Licorice Gourami need?
A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Jewel Cichlid and Licorice Gourami together?
Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are African Jewel Cichlid or Licorice Gourami aggressive?
African Jewel Cichlid is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do African Jewel Cichlid and Licorice Gourami need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. African Jewel Cichlid prefers 6.5–7.5, while Licorice Gourami needs 3–6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage African Jewel Cichlid's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives African Jewel 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.
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