Can Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) Live Together?
Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types and incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)?
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.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) may occasionally assert dominance over Violet Goby (Dragon Goby).
Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) 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: Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) 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 23°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
Hardness requirements are incompatible: Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) needs 1–10 dGH while Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) requires 12–25 dGH.
Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.
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Tank Setup
To house Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 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), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Shells (Breeding/Hiding). 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.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby).
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) need?
A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) together?
Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) or Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) aggressive?
Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) need?
Both species overlap in the 7.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
How do I manage Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid)'s territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) 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 Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) being nocturnal affect compatibility?
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) 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 Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) during evening hours.
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