Can Apistogramma Broad-banded and Butterfly Goodeid Live Together?
Apistogramma Broad-banded and Butterfly Goodeid are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements 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 Broad-banded and Butterfly Goodeid?
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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Apistogramma Broad-banded is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Butterfly Goodeid is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Butterfly Goodeid may occasionally assert dominance over Apistogramma Broad-banded.
Apistogramma Broad-banded and Butterfly Goodeid both frequent the 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.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.
Water Parameters
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.
The pH requirements of Apistogramma Broad-banded (5–6.5) and Butterfly Goodeid (7–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
Hardness requirements are incompatible: Apistogramma Broad-banded needs 1–5 dGH while Butterfly Goodeid requires 10–25 dGH.
Tank Setup
To house Apistogramma Broad-banded and Butterfly Goodeid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 119 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: Sand (Sifters), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - lighly covered. 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.
Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice
Apistogramma Broad-banded and Butterfly Goodeid 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 Apistogramma Broad-banded and Butterfly Goodeid.
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Apistogramma Broad-banded and Butterfly Goodeid live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Apistogramma Broad-banded and Butterfly Goodeid need?
A minimum of 119 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 Apistogramma Broad-banded and Butterfly Goodeid together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Apistogramma Broad-banded or Butterfly Goodeid aggressive?
Apistogramma Broad-banded is moderately assertive (5/10) and Butterfly Goodeid is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Apistogramma Broad-banded and Butterfly Goodeid need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Apistogramma Broad-banded prefers 5–6.5, while Butterfly Goodeid needs 7–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
Will Butterfly Goodeid nip Apistogramma Broad-banded's fins?
Butterfly Goodeid is a known fin nipper. If Apistogramma Broad-banded has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Butterfly Goodeid in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
How do I manage Apistogramma Broad-banded's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Apistogramma Broad-banded 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.
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 3, 2026
- Last updated
- May 3, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
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