Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Electric Blue Hap Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Amazon Leaf Fish and Electric Blue Hap 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

Amazon Leaf Fish

Monocirrhus polyacanthus

Electric Blue Hap

Sciaenochromis fryeri

🐠Family Group
Amazon Leaf Fish
Other
Electric Blue Hap
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Amazon Leaf Fish
Peaceful (2/10)
Electric Blue Hap
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
23–29°C
Electric Blue Hap
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Amazon Leaf Fish
5–6.8
Electric Blue Hap
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Amazon Leaf Fish
0–8
Electric Blue Hap
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
Freshwater Only
Electric Blue Hap
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
Low
Electric Blue Hap
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Amazon Leaf Fish
75 L
Electric Blue Hap
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Amazon Leaf Fish
MiddleTop
Electric Blue Hap
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Amazon Leaf Fish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Nocturnal
Electric Blue Hap
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Fry PredatorAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Amazon Leaf Fish and Electric Blue Hap?

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
Electric Blue Hap
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Amazon Leaf Fish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Electric Blue Hap is semi-aggressive (7/10). This notable difference means Electric Blue Hap may occasionally assert dominance over Amazon Leaf Fish.

Amazon Leaf Fish and Electric Blue Hap 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: 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 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Amazon Leaf Fish (5–6.8) and Electric Blue Hap (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Amazon Leaf Fish needs 0–8 dGH while Electric Blue Hap requires 10–25 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Amazon Leaf Fish and Electric Blue Hap together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 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.

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 Electric Blue Hap 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 Electric Blue Hap.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Electric Blue Hap 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 Electric Blue Hap need?

A minimum of 200 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 Electric Blue Hap together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Amazon Leaf Fish or Electric Blue Hap aggressive?

Amazon Leaf Fish is peaceful (2/10) and Electric Blue Hap is semi-aggressive (7/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Amazon Leaf Fish and Electric Blue Hap need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Amazon Leaf Fish prefers 5–6.8, while Electric Blue Hap needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Electric Blue Hap's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Electric Blue Hap 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.

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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