Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Nyererei Victorian Cichlid Live Together?

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

Amazon Leaf Fish and Nyererei Victorian 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. 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.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Amazon Leaf Fish (5–6.8) and Nyererei Victorian Cichlid (7.4–8.6) 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.

To house Amazon Leaf Fish and Nyererei Victorian Cichlid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 258 litres with a minimum length of 100 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). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Nyererei Victorian 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 Nyererei Victorian 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.