Can Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Clown Knifefish Live Together?

Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Clown Knifefish is semi-aggressive (7/10). This notable difference means Clown Knifefish may occasionally assert dominance over Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid).

Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Clown Knifefish both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and 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.

Worth noting: Clown Knifefish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Clown Knifefish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Clown Knifefish to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Clown Knifefish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 750 litres with a minimum length of 180 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), 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.

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Clown Knifefish need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.