Can Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Red-Tail Catfish Live Together?
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Red-Tail Catfish 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 Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Red-Tail Catfish?
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
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while Red-Tail Catfish is semi-aggressive (7/10). This modest difference means Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) may occasionally assert dominance over Red-Tail Catfish.
Both Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Red-Tail Catfish are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Red-Tail Catfish 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: Red-Tail Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.
Water Parameters
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 Red-Tail Catfish (6–7.5) 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.
Tank Setup
To house Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Red-Tail Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 3800 litres with a minimum length of 300 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), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Red-Tail Catfish 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Red-Tail Catfish live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Red-Tail Catfish need?
A minimum of 3800 litres (tank length at least 300 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 Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Red-Tail Catfish together?
Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) or Red-Tail Catfish aggressive?
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is highly aggressive (9/10) and Red-Tail Catfish is semi-aggressive (7/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Red-Tail Catfish need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) prefers 7.6–8.6, while Red-Tail Catfish needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
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.
Does Red-Tail Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?
Red-Tail Catfish 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 Red-Tail Catfish 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
- April 28, 2026
- Last updated
- April 28, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Related Comparisons
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) & Afra Cichlid
·
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) & African Jewel Cichlid
·
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) & Aurora Yellow Mbuna
·
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) & Black Diamond Cichlid
·
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) & Buccochromis rhoadesii
·
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) & Bumblebee Cichlid
·
Red-Tail Catfish & Achara Catfish
·
Red-Tail Catfish & Asian Upside Down Catfish
·
Red-Tail Catfish & Brown Bullhead Catfish
·
Red-Tail Catfish & Bullseye Catfish
·
Red-Tail Catfish & Cuckoo Catfish
·
Red-Tail Catfish & Domino Synodontis
·