Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Dusky Millions Fish Live Together?
Amazon Leaf Fish and Dusky Millions Fish are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. 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 Dusky Millions Fish?
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
Both Amazon Leaf Fish and Dusky Millions Fish are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.
Amazon Leaf Fish and Dusky Millions Fish 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.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: 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 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.5°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Amazon Leaf Fish (5–6.8) and Dusky Millions Fish (7–8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
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Tank Setup
To house Amazon Leaf Fish and Dusky Millions Fish 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, Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Dusky Millions Fish 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 Dusky Millions Fish.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Dusky Millions Fish 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 Dusky Millions Fish 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 Dusky Millions Fish together?
Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 24°C. A target of around 23.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Amazon Leaf Fish or Dusky Millions Fish aggressive?
Amazon Leaf Fish is peaceful (2/10) and Dusky Millions Fish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Amazon Leaf Fish and Dusky Millions Fish need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Amazon Leaf Fish prefers 5–6.8, while Dusky Millions Fish needs 7–8. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
Will Dusky Millions Fish nip Amazon Leaf Fish's fins?
Dusky Millions Fish is a known fin nipper. If Amazon Leaf Fish has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Dusky Millions Fish in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
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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