Can African Lungfish and Dourada Live Together?
Keeping African Lungfish and Dourada together is possible but requires caution due to differing aggression levels and mismatched flow preferences. Provide a spacious tank of at least 15000 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle African Lungfish and Dourada?
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 Lungfish is a highly aggressive species (10/10), while Dourada is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means African Lungfish may occasionally assert dominance over Dourada.
African Lungfish and Dourada both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and Middle (Open Water) 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: African Lungfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
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 Lungfish and Dourada 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 24°C and 29°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.5°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 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Tank Setup
To house African Lungfish and Dourada together, plan for an aquarium of at least 15000 litres with a minimum length of 600 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 — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — 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.
African Lungfish prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Dourada needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.
Feeding products to consider
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can African Lungfish and Dourada live together?
They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 15000 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
What size tank do African Lungfish and Dourada need?
A minimum of 15000 litres (tank length at least 600 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 Lungfish and Dourada together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 29°C. A target of around 26.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are African Lungfish or Dourada aggressive?
African Lungfish is highly aggressive (10/10) and Dourada is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do African Lungfish and Dourada 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 Lungfish's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives African Lungfish 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.
Related Comparisons
African Lungfish & Bullseye Snakehead
·
African Lungfish & Emperor Snakehead
·
African Lungfish & African Clawed Frog
·
African Lungfish & African Knifefish
·
African Lungfish & Arapaima
·
African Lungfish & Asian Arowana
·
Dourada & Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
·
Dourada & Adonis Pleco
·
Dourada & Asian Upside Down Catfish
·
Dourada & Bullseye Catfish
·
Dourada & Channel Catfish
·
Dourada & Cuckoo Catfish
·