Can Apistogramma Mamoré and Flowerhorn Cichlid Live Together?

Not Recommended

Apistogramma Mamoré and Flowerhorn Cichlid 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

Flowerhorn Cichlid

Hybrid cichlid (Amphilophus cross)

🐠Family Group
Apistogramma Mamoré
Cichlids - South American
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Cichlids - Central American
Temperament
Apistogramma Mamoré
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Highly Aggressive (10/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
24–28°C
Flowerhorn Cichlid
26–30°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Apistogramma Mamoré
5–7
Flowerhorn Cichlid
7.4–8
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Apistogramma Mamoré
1–8
Flowerhorn Cichlid
9–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
Freshwater Only
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
Low
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 280 L
Apistogramma Mamoré
60 L
Flowerhorn Cichlid
280 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Apistogramma Mamoré
BottomMiddle
Flowerhorn Cichlid
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Apistogramma Mamoré
Territorial (Defends specific area)Shrimp EaterDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerPiscivore (Eats small/nano fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Apistogramma Mamoré and Flowerhorn Cichlid?

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
Flowerhorn Cichlid
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Apistogramma Mamoré is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Flowerhorn Cichlid is highly aggressive (10/10). This notable difference means Flowerhorn Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Apistogramma Mamoré.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Apistogramma Mamoré and Flowerhorn Cichlid increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Apistogramma Mamoré and Flowerhorn Cichlid 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: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species. Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 26°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Apistogramma Mamoré (5–7) and Flowerhorn Cichlid (7.4–8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Apistogramma Mamoré needs 1–8 dGH while Flowerhorn Cichlid requires 9–20 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Apistogramma Mamoré and Flowerhorn Cichlid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 280 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, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

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 Flowerhorn Cichlid.

Show 1 more tank size

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apistogramma Mamoré and Flowerhorn Cichlid 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 Flowerhorn Cichlid need?

A minimum of 280 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 Mamoré and Flowerhorn Cichlid together?

Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 28°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Apistogramma Mamoré or Flowerhorn Cichlid aggressive?

Apistogramma Mamoré is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Flowerhorn Cichlid is highly aggressive (10/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Apistogramma Mamoré and Flowerhorn Cichlid need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Apistogramma Mamoré prefers 5–7, while Flowerhorn Cichlid needs 7.4–8. 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.


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