Can Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Butterfly Goodeid Live Together?
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Butterfly Goodeid are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Butterfly Goodeid?
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.
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Behaviour & Temperament
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.
Water Parameters
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.
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Tank Setup
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.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Butterfly Goodeid.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Butterfly Goodeid live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Butterfly Goodeid need?
A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 80 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 Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Butterfly Goodeid together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid or Butterfly Goodeid aggressive?
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid is moderately assertive (5/10) and Butterfly Goodeid is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Butterfly Goodeid need?
Both species overlap in the 7–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
Will Butterfly Goodeid nip Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid's fins?
Butterfly Goodeid is a known fin nipper. If Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Butterfly Goodeid in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
How do I manage Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid 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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