Can Angelicus Pleco L073 and Dickfeld's Julie Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Angelicus Pleco L073 and Dickfeld's Julie 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

Angelicus Pleco L073

Hypancistrus sp. L073

Dickfeld's Julie

Julidochromis dickfeldi

🐠Family Group
Angelicus Pleco L073
Catfish
Dickfeld's Julie
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Angelicus Pleco L073
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Dickfeld's Julie
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Angelicus Pleco L073
26–30°C
Dickfeld's Julie
23–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Angelicus Pleco L073
5.5–7.5
Dickfeld's Julie
8–9
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Angelicus Pleco L073
2–15
Dickfeld's Julie
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Angelicus Pleco L073
Freshwater Only
Dickfeld's Julie
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Angelicus Pleco L073
High
Dickfeld's Julie
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Angelicus Pleco L073
110 L
Dickfeld's Julie
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Angelicus Pleco L073
Bottom
Dickfeld's Julie
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Angelicus Pleco L073
NocturnalShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Dickfeld's Julie
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Angelicus Pleco L073 and Dickfeld's Julie?

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.

Angelicus Pleco L073
Dickfeld's Julie
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Angelicus Pleco L073 is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Dickfeld's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Dickfeld's Julie may occasionally assert dominance over Angelicus Pleco L073.

Angelicus Pleco L073 and Dickfeld's Julie both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Angelicus Pleco L073 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 26°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Angelicus Pleco L073 (5.5–7.5) and Dickfeld's Julie (8–9) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Angelicus Pleco L073 and Dickfeld's Julie together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 80 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: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Angelicus Pleco L073 and Dickfeld's Julie 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 Angelicus Pleco L073 and Dickfeld's Julie.

Show 12 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Angelicus Pleco L073 and Dickfeld's Julie live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Angelicus Pleco L073 and Dickfeld's Julie need?

A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 80 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 Angelicus Pleco L073 and Dickfeld's Julie together?

Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 27°C. A target of around 26.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Angelicus Pleco L073 or Dickfeld's Julie aggressive?

Angelicus Pleco L073 is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Dickfeld's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Angelicus Pleco L073 and Dickfeld's Julie need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Angelicus Pleco L073 prefers 5.5–7.5, while Dickfeld's Julie needs 8–9. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Dickfeld's Julie's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Dickfeld's Julie 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 Angelicus Pleco L073 being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Angelicus Pleco L073 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 Angelicus Pleco L073 during evening hours.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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