Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Cuban Cichlid Live Together?

Amazon Leaf Fish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Cuban Cichlid is semi-aggressive (8/10). This notable difference means Cuban Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Amazon Leaf Fish.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Amazon Leaf Fish and Cuban Cichlid increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Amazon Leaf Fish and Cuban Cichlid 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.

Worth noting: Amazon Leaf Fish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 29°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Amazon Leaf Fish (5–6.8) and Cuban Cichlid (7–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Amazon Leaf Fish needs 0–8 dGH while Cuban Cichlid requires 10–25 dGH.

To house Amazon Leaf Fish and Cuban Cichlid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 280 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Cuban Cichlid 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.

Amazon Leaf Fish and Cuban Cichlid 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.