Can Apistogramma uaupesi and Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) Live Together?

Not Recommended

Apistogramma uaupesi and Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types and 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 uaupesi

Apistogramma uaupesi

Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)

Brachygobius xanthozonus

🐠Family Group
Apistogramma uaupesi
Cichlids - South American
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Gobies & Gudgeons
Temperament
Apistogramma uaupesi
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Apistogramma uaupesi
24–29Β°C
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
24–28Β°C
pH Range
βœ— No overlap
Apistogramma uaupesi
4–6
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
βœ— No overlap
Apistogramma uaupesi
0–5
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
10–25
Water Type
βœ— No overlap
Apistogramma uaupesi
Freshwater Only
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Brackish Required
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Apistogramma uaupesi
Low
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 60 L
Apistogramma uaupesi
60 L
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Apistogramma uaupesi
Bottom
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Apistogramma uaupesi
Territorial (Defends specific area)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesShrimp Eater
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Apistogramma uaupesi and Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)?

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 uaupesi
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Apistogramma uaupesi is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Apistogramma uaupesi may occasionally assert dominance over Bumblebee Goby (Brackish).

Apistogramma uaupesi and Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) 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: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Apistogramma uaupesi (4–6) and Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) (7–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Apistogramma uaupesi needs 0–5 dGH while Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) requires 10–25 dGH.

Crucially, these species require different water types β€” one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

Tank Setup

To house Apistogramma uaupesi and Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) 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.

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, Shells (Breeding/Hiding), 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 uaupesi and Bumblebee Goby (Brackish).

Show 19 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Apistogramma uaupesi is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Bumblebee Goby (Brackish).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apistogramma uaupesi and Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities β€” such as different water type needs β€” make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Apistogramma uaupesi and Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) 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 uaupesi and Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) together?

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

Are Apistogramma uaupesi or Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) aggressive?

Apistogramma uaupesi is moderately assertive (5/10) and Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Apistogramma uaupesi and Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Apistogramma uaupesi prefers 4–6, while Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) needs 7–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Apistogramma uaupesi's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Apistogramma uaupesi space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding dΓ©cor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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