Can Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Rose Danio Live Together?

Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while Rose Danio is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) may occasionally assert dominance over Rose Danio.

Large aggression gap (8 points) between Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Rose Danio increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Rose Danio 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: Rose Danio is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) (7.6–8.6) and Rose Danio (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.

To house Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Rose Danio together, plan for an aquarium of at least 253 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: 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 Rose Danio'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.

Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and Rose Danio 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.