Can African Jewel Cichlid and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping African Jewel Cichlid and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 450 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

African Jewel Cichlid

Hemichromis bimaculatus

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)

Datnioides polota

🐠Family Group
African Jewel Cichlid
Cichlids - African
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Oddballs
Temperament
African Jewel Cichlid
Aggressive (8/10)
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
African Jewel Cichlid
22–28Β°C
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
24–28Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
African Jewel Cichlid
6.5–7.5
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
African Jewel Cichlid
4–15
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
10–25
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
African Jewel Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
African Jewel Cichlid
Moderate
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 450 L
African Jewel Cichlid
110 L
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
450 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
African Jewel Cichlid
MiddleBottom
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
African Jewel Cichlid
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerFry Predator
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle African Jewel Cichlid and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)?

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.

African Jewel Cichlid
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

African Jewel Cichlid is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means African Jewel Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish).

African Jewel Cichlid and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both African Jewel Cichlid and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 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 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house African Jewel Cichlid and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 450 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.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots β€” caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters β€” so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), 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 Jewel Cichlid and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can African Jewel Cichlid and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 450 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do African Jewel Cichlid and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) need?

A minimum of 450 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 Jewel Cichlid and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. A target of around 26.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are African Jewel Cichlid or Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) aggressive?

African Jewel Cichlid is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do African Jewel Cichlid and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

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 dΓ©cor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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