Can Apistogramma atahualpa and Shovelnose Sturgeon Live Together?

Apistogramma atahualpa is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Shovelnose Sturgeon is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Apistogramma atahualpa may occasionally assert dominance over Shovelnose Sturgeon.

Apistogramma atahualpa and Shovelnose Sturgeon 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Shovelnose Sturgeon is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

There is no temperature overlap between Apistogramma atahualpa (24–28°C) and Shovelnose Sturgeon (10–22°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

The pH requirements of Apistogramma atahualpa (4.5–6.5) and Shovelnose Sturgeon (6.8–8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Apistogramma atahualpa needs 0–5 dGH while Shovelnose Sturgeon requires 8–20 dGH.

To house Apistogramma atahualpa and Shovelnose Sturgeon together, plan for an aquarium of at least 3000 litres with a minimum length of 300 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), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Apistogramma atahualpa prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Shovelnose Sturgeon needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Apistogramma atahualpa and Shovelnose Sturgeon 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.