Can Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Praecox) Live Together?

Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Praecox) is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) may occasionally assert dominance over Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Praecox).

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Praecox) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Praecox) 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.

Worth noting: Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Praecox) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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 Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Praecox) 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.

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.

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 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

To house Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Praecox) 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.

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. 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 Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Praecox)'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.