Can Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum and Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) Live Together?

Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum may occasionally assert dominance over Japanese Ricefish (Medaka).

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum and Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum prefers the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) zones, whereas Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) occupies the Top (Surface) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

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..

Worth noting: Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 20°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 22.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum and Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 250 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: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)'s requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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

Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum and Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) 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.