Can Apistogramma macmasteri and Dourada Live Together?

Both Apistogramma macmasteri and Dourada are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Apistogramma macmasteri and Dourada 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.

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

Worth noting: Dourada 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 macmasteri and Dourada 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 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°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 2–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Apistogramma macmasteri and Dourada together, plan for an aquarium of at least 15000 litres with a minimum length of 600 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Dourada is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Apistogramma macmasteri's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Apistogramma macmasteri and Dourada 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.