Can Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Beckford's Pencilfish Live Together?

Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while Beckford's Pencilfish is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) may occasionally assert dominance over Beckford's Pencilfish.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Beckford's Pencilfish increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Beckford's Pencilfish both frequent the 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. Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Beckford's Pencilfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) (7.6–8.6) and Beckford's Pencilfish (5–7.5) 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. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

To house Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Beckford's Pencilfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 240 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Beckford's Pencilfish's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.