Can Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Butterfly Goodeid Live Together?

Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Butterfly Goodeid is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Butterfly Goodeid may occasionally assert dominance over Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid.

In terms of spatial distribution, Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Butterfly Goodeid occupies the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid needs 1–8 dGH while Butterfly Goodeid requires 10–25 dGH.

To house Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Butterfly Goodeid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 80 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

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), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - lighly covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Butterfly Goodeid is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid'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.

Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Butterfly Goodeid are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.