Can African Lungfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

African Lungfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

African Lungfish

Protopterus annectens

Norman's Lampeye Killifish

Poropanchax normani

🐠Family Group
African Lungfish
Oddballs
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Killifish
Temperament
African Lungfish
Highly Aggressive (10/10)
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
African Lungfish
24–30°C
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
African Lungfish
6–8
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
African Lungfish
5–20
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
African Lungfish
Freshwater Only
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
African Lungfish
Low
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 816 L
African Lungfish
680 L
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
African Lungfish
BottomMiddleTop
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
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)
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator

Behaviour & Temperament

African Lungfish is a highly aggressive species (10/10), while Norman's Lampeye Killifish is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means African Lungfish may occasionally assert dominance over Norman's Lampeye Killifish.

Large aggression gap (9 points) between African Lungfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

African Lungfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish 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.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Worth noting: African Lungfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

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

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 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. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house African Lungfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 816 litres with a minimum length of 180 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: African Lungfish is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Norman's Lampeye Killifish's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Find the right tank equipment

Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can African Lungfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do African Lungfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish need?

A minimum of 816 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 Norman's Lampeye Killifish together?

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

Are African Lungfish or Norman's Lampeye Killifish aggressive?

African Lungfish is highly aggressive (10/10) and Norman's Lampeye Killifish 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 Norman's Lampeye Killifish need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 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.


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