Can Apistogramma uaupesi and Senegal Bichir Live Together?
Apistogramma uaupesi and Senegal Bichir are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Apistogramma uaupesi and Senegal Bichir?
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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Apistogramma uaupesi is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Senegal Bichir is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Senegal Bichir may occasionally assert dominance over Apistogramma uaupesi.
Apistogramma uaupesi and Senegal Bichir 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.
Worth noting: Senegal Bichir is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Senegal Bichir is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 25°C and 29°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Apistogramma uaupesi (4–6) and Senegal Bichir (6.2–7.8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–5 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Apistogramma uaupesi and Senegal Bichir together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 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.
Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice
Apistogramma uaupesi and Senegal Bichir are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Apistogramma uaupesi and Senegal Bichir.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Apistogramma uaupesi and Senegal Bichir live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Apistogramma uaupesi and Senegal Bichir need?
A minimum of 200 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 uaupesi and Senegal Bichir together?
Keep the aquarium between 25°C and 29°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Apistogramma uaupesi or Senegal Bichir aggressive?
Apistogramma uaupesi is moderately assertive (5/10) and Senegal Bichir is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Apistogramma uaupesi and Senegal Bichir need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Apistogramma uaupesi prefers 4–6, while Senegal Bichir needs 6.2–7.8. 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 décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.
Does Senegal Bichir being nocturnal affect compatibility?
Senegal Bichir is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Senegal Bichir during evening hours.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 1, 2026
- Last updated
- May 1, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Related Comparisons
Apistogramma uaupesi & Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid)
·
Apistogramma uaupesi & Aequidens sp. Atabapo
·
Apistogramma uaupesi & Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
·
Apistogramma uaupesi & Apistogramma atahualpa
·
Apistogramma uaupesi & Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50)
·
Apistogramma uaupesi & Apistogramma Black-Chin
·
Senegal Bichir & African Knifefish
·
Senegal Bichir & Buettikoferi Bichir
·
Senegal Bichir & Delhezi Bichir (Armored Bichir)
·
Senegal Bichir & Freshwater Toadfish (Prehistoric Monster Fish)
·
Senegal Bichir & Guinean Bichir
·
Senegal Bichir & Marbled Bichir
·