Can Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Dusky Millions Fish Live Together?

Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while Dusky Millions Fish is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) may occasionally assert dominance over Dusky Millions Fish.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Dusky Millions Fish increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Dusky Millions Fish 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.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Dusky Millions Fish to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat. Keep fin nippers in larger groups to distribute nipping behaviour among conspecifics rather than tank mates.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.6 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Dusky Millions Fish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 265 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.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. 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 Dusky Millions Fish'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.

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Dusky Millions Fish need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.