Can Arulius Barb and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) Live Together?
Arulius Barb and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) 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 Arulius Barb and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)?
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.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Arulius Barb is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is highly aggressive (9/10). This notable difference means Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) may occasionally assert dominance over Arulius Barb.
Arulius Barb and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and 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: Arulius Barb is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Arulius Barb (6–7.5) and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) (7.6–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
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Tank Setup
To house Arulius Barb and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 308 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: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with high (river/stream) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Arulius Barb and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna).
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
450 Liter (150cm Standard)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Arulius Barb and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Arulius Barb and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) need?
A minimum of 308 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 Arulius Barb and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) together?
Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 25°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Arulius Barb or Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) aggressive?
Arulius Barb is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is highly aggressive (9/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Arulius Barb and Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Arulius Barb prefers 6–7.5, while Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) needs 7.6–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
Will Arulius Barb nip Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)'s fins?
Arulius Barb is a known fin nipper. If Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Arulius Barb in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
How do I manage Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)'s territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) 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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