Can Apistogramma Mamoré and Bentos Tetra Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Apistogramma Mamoré and Bentos Tetra together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 60 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Apistogramma Mamoré

Apistogramma erythrura

Bentos Tetra

Hyphessobrycon bentosi

🐠Family Group
Apistogramma Mamoré
Cichlids - South American
Bentos Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Apistogramma Mamoré
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Bentos Tetra
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
24–28°C
Bentos Tetra
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
5–7
Bentos Tetra
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
1–8
Bentos Tetra
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
Freshwater Only
Bentos Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
Low
Bentos Tetra
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 60 L
Apistogramma Mamoré
60 L
Bentos Tetra
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Apistogramma Mamoré
BottomMiddle
Bentos Tetra
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Apistogramma Mamoré
Territorial (Defends specific area)Shrimp EaterDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Bentos Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Apistogramma Mamoré and Bentos Tetra?

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.

Apistogramma Mamoré
Bentos Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Apistogramma Mamoré is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Bentos Tetra is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Apistogramma Mamoré may occasionally assert dominance over Bentos Tetra.

Apistogramma Mamoré and Bentos Tetra 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.

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 Mamoré and Bentos Tetra 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.

Water Parameters

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 5.5 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 1–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Apistogramma Mamoré and Bentos Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 litres with a minimum length of 60 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, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Apistogramma Mamoré and Bentos Tetra.

Show 19 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apistogramma Mamoré and Bentos Tetra live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 60 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Apistogramma Mamoré and Bentos Tetra need?

A minimum of 60 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Mamoré and Bentos Tetra together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Apistogramma Mamoré or Bentos Tetra aggressive?

Apistogramma Mamoré is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Bentos Tetra is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Apistogramma Mamoré and Bentos Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 5.5–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Apistogramma Mamoré's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Apistogramma Mamoré 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.


Related Comparisons

Apistogramma Mamoré & Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid)

·

Possible with Caution
Apistogramma Mamoré: PeacefulAequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid): Peaceful

Apistogramma Mamoré & Aequidens sp. Atabapo

·

Possible with Caution
Apistogramma Mamoré: PeacefulAequidens sp. Atabapo: Peaceful

Apistogramma Mamoré & Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid)

·

Possible with Caution
Apistogramma Mamoré: PeacefulApistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid): Peaceful

Apistogramma Mamoré & Apistogramma Broad-banded

·

Possible with Caution
Apistogramma Mamoré: PeacefulApistogramma Broad-banded: Peaceful

Apistogramma Mamoré & Apistogramma macmasteri

·

Possible with Caution
Apistogramma Mamoré: PeacefulApistogramma macmasteri: Peaceful

Apistogramma Mamoré & Apistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter)

·

Possible with Caution
Apistogramma Mamoré: PeacefulApistogramma Mouthbrooder (Maulbrüter): Peaceful

Bentos Tetra & Beckford's Pencilfish

·

Possible with Caution
Bentos Tetra: PeacefulBeckford's Pencilfish: Peaceful

Bentos Tetra & Black Pacu

·

Possible with Caution
Bentos Tetra: PeacefulBlack Pacu: Peaceful

Bentos Tetra & Black Phantom Tetra

·

Possible with Caution
Bentos Tetra: PeacefulBlack Phantom Tetra: Peaceful

Bentos Tetra & Blind Cave Tetra

·

Possible with Caution
Bentos Tetra: PeacefulBlind Cave Tetra: Peaceful

Bentos Tetra & Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra

·

Possible with Caution
Bentos Tetra: PeacefulBrilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra: Peaceful

Bentos Tetra & Cardinal Tetra

·

Possible with Caution
Bentos Tetra: PeacefulCardinal Tetra: Peaceful