Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) Live Together?
Amazon Leaf Fish and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and 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 Amazon Leaf Fish and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)?
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
Amazon Leaf Fish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is highly aggressive (9/10). This notable difference means Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) may occasionally assert dominance over Amazon Leaf Fish.
Large aggression gap (7 points) between Amazon Leaf Fish and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.
Amazon Leaf Fish and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species. Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.
Worth noting: Amazon Leaf Fish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Amazon Leaf Fish (5–6.8) and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) (7.6–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
Hardness requirements are incompatible: Amazon Leaf Fish needs 0–8 dGH while Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) requires 10–25 dGH.
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Tank Setup
To house Amazon Leaf Fish and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 258 litres with a minimum length of 120 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: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Amazon Leaf Fish'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 Amazon Leaf Fish and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna).
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Amazon Leaf Fish and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) need?
A minimum of 258 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Amazon Leaf Fish and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) together?
Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Amazon Leaf Fish or Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) aggressive?
Amazon Leaf Fish is peaceful (2/10) and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is highly aggressive (9/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Amazon Leaf Fish and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Amazon Leaf Fish prefers 5–6.8, while Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) needs 7.6–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)'s territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) 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.
Does Amazon Leaf Fish being nocturnal affect compatibility?
Amazon Leaf Fish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Amazon Leaf Fish during evening hours.
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