Can African Lungfish and Largemouth Bass Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping African Lungfish and Largemouth Bass together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 1135 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

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

🐠Family Group
African Lungfish
Oddballs
Largemouth Bass
Other
Temperament
African Lungfish
Highly Aggressive (10/10)
Largemouth Bass
Aggressive (8/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
African Lungfish
24–30Β°C
Largemouth Bass
10–28Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
African Lungfish
6–8
Largemouth Bass
6.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
African Lungfish
5–20
Largemouth Bass
5–25
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
African Lungfish
Freshwater Only
Largemouth Bass
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
African Lungfish
Low
Largemouth Bass
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1135 L
African Lungfish
680 L
Largemouth Bass
1135 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
African Lungfish
BottomMiddleTop
Largemouth Bass
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)
Largemouth Bass
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle African Lungfish and Largemouth Bass?

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
Largemouth Bass
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

African Lungfish is a highly aggressive species (10/10), while Largemouth Bass is semi-aggressive (8/10). This modest difference means African Lungfish may occasionally assert dominance over Largemouth Bass.

Both African Lungfish and Largemouth Bass are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

African Lungfish and Largemouth Bass 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 Largemouth Bass to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.

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 6.5 and 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 Largemouth Bass together, plan for an aquarium of at least 1135 litres with a minimum length of 240 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 low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can African Lungfish and Largemouth Bass live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 1135 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do African Lungfish and Largemouth Bass need?

A minimum of 1135 litres (tank length at least 240 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 Largemouth Bass 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 Largemouth Bass aggressive?

African Lungfish is highly aggressive (10/10) and Largemouth Bass is semi-aggressive (8/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do African Lungfish and Largemouth Bass need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–8 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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