Can Apistogramma Mamoré and Blue Dolphin (Hap) Live Together?

Not Recommended

Apistogramma Mamoré and Blue Dolphin (Hap) 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

Apistogramma Mamoré

Apistogramma erythrura

Blue Dolphin (Hap)

Cyrtocara moorii

🐠Family Group
Apistogramma Mamoré
Cichlids - South American
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Apistogramma Mamoré
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
24–28°C
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Apistogramma Mamoré
5–7
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
7.5–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Apistogramma Mamoré
1–8
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
Freshwater Only
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
Low
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 475 L
Apistogramma Mamoré
60 L
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
475 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Apistogramma Mamoré
BottomMiddle
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Apistogramma Mamoré
Territorial (Defends specific area)Shrimp EaterDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Apistogramma Mamoré and Blue Dolphin (Hap)?

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
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Apistogramma Mamoré is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Blue Dolphin (Hap) is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Blue Dolphin (Hap) may occasionally assert dominance over Apistogramma Mamoré.

Apistogramma Mamoré and Blue Dolphin (Hap) 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.

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.

The pH requirements of Apistogramma Mamoré (5–7) and Blue Dolphin (Hap) (7.5–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Apistogramma Mamoré needs 1–8 dGH while Blue Dolphin (Hap) requires 10–25 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Apistogramma Mamoré and Blue Dolphin (Hap) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 475 litres with a minimum length of 150 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), Plants - Densely covered, 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Apistogramma Mamoré and Blue Dolphin (Hap).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apistogramma Mamoré and Blue Dolphin (Hap) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Apistogramma Mamoré and Blue Dolphin (Hap) need?

A minimum of 475 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Blue Dolphin (Hap) 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 Blue Dolphin (Hap) aggressive?

Apistogramma Mamoré is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Blue Dolphin (Hap) is moderately assertive (5/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Apistogramma Mamoré and Blue Dolphin (Hap) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Apistogramma Mamoré prefers 5–7, while Blue Dolphin (Hap) needs 7.5–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

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

Blue Dolphin (Hap) & African Butterfly Cichlid

·

Possible with Caution
Blue Dolphin (Hap): PeacefulAfrican Butterfly Cichlid: Peaceful

Blue Dolphin (Hap) & Altolamprologus Calvus

·

Possible with Caution
Blue Dolphin (Hap): PeacefulAltolamprologus Calvus: Peaceful

Blue Dolphin (Hap) & Altolamprologus Compressiceps

·

Possible with Caution
Blue Dolphin (Hap): PeacefulAltolamprologus Compressiceps: Peaceful

Blue Dolphin (Hap) & Aurora Yellow Mbuna

·

Possible with Caution
Blue Dolphin (Hap): PeacefulAurora Yellow Mbuna: Peaceful

Blue Dolphin (Hap) & Buccochromis lepturus

·

Possible with Caution
Blue Dolphin (Hap): PeacefulBuccochromis lepturus: Peaceful

Blue Dolphin (Hap) & Butterfly Peacock Cichlid

·

Possible with Caution
Blue Dolphin (Hap): PeacefulButterfly Peacock Cichlid: Peaceful