Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Delicate Blue-Eye Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Amazon Leaf Fish and Delicate Blue-Eye 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

Amazon Leaf Fish

Monocirrhus polyacanthus

Delicate Blue-Eye

Pseudomugil tenellus

🐠Family Group
Amazon Leaf Fish
Other
Delicate Blue-Eye
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Amazon Leaf Fish
Peaceful (2/10)
Delicate Blue-Eye
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
23–29°C
Delicate Blue-Eye
25–32°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
5–6.8
Delicate Blue-Eye
5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
0–8
Delicate Blue-Eye
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
Freshwater Only
Delicate Blue-Eye
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
Low
Delicate Blue-Eye
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Amazon Leaf Fish
75 L
Delicate Blue-Eye
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Amazon Leaf Fish
MiddleTop
Delicate Blue-Eye
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Amazon Leaf Fish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Nocturnal
Delicate Blue-Eye
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Amazon Leaf Fish and Delicate Blue-Eye?

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.

Amazon Leaf Fish
Delicate Blue-Eye
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Amazon Leaf Fish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Delicate Blue-Eye is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Amazon Leaf Fish may occasionally assert dominance over Delicate Blue-Eye.

Amazon Leaf Fish and Delicate Blue-Eye 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..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Amazon Leaf Fish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Delicate Blue-Eye is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 25°C and 29°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 5 and 6.8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Amazon Leaf Fish and Delicate Blue-Eye together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 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. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Amazon Leaf Fish and Delicate Blue-Eye 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Amazon Leaf Fish and Delicate Blue-Eye.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Amazon Leaf Fish is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Delicate Blue-Eye.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Delicate Blue-Eye 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 Delicate Blue-Eye need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Delicate Blue-Eye together?

Keep the aquarium between 25°C and 29°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Amazon Leaf Fish or Delicate Blue-Eye aggressive?

Amazon Leaf Fish is peaceful (2/10) and Delicate Blue-Eye is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Amazon Leaf Fish and Delicate Blue-Eye need?

Both species overlap in the 5–6.8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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