Can African Lungfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping African Lungfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra together is possible but requires caution due to differing aggression levels. Provide a spacious tank of at least 680 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

African Lungfish

Protopterus annectens

Glass Bloodfin Tetra

Prionobrama filigera

🐠Family Group
African Lungfish
Oddballs
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Characins
Temperament
African Lungfish
Highly Aggressive (10/10)
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
African Lungfish
24–30Β°C
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
22–28Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
African Lungfish
6–8
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
6–7.8
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
African Lungfish
5–20
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
2–20
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
African Lungfish
Freshwater Only
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
African Lungfish
Low
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 680 L
African Lungfish
680 L
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
African Lungfish
BottomMiddleTop
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
African Lungfish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesJumper (Lid Required)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle African Lungfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra?

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 Lungfish
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

African Lungfish is a highly aggressive species (10/10), while Glass Bloodfin Tetra is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means African Lungfish may occasionally assert dominance over Glass Bloodfin Tetra.

Large aggression gap (9 points) between African Lungfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

African Lungfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and 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.

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 Glass Bloodfin Tetra 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 6 and 7.8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house African Lungfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 680 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.

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), Plants - Floating. 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 Lungfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can African Lungfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 680 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do African Lungfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra need?

A minimum of 680 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 Lungfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra 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 Lungfish or Glass Bloodfin Tetra aggressive?

African Lungfish is highly aggressive (10/10) and Glass Bloodfin Tetra is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do African Lungfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.8 pH range. Consistency is key β€” 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 dΓ©cor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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