Can Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow Live Together?
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap. 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 White Cloud Mountain Minnow?
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.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while White Cloud Mountain Minnow is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) may occasionally assert dominance over White Cloud Mountain Minnow.
Large aggression gap (8 points) between Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow 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: White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
There is no temperature overlap between Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) (23–28°C) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow (14–22°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.
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.
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Tank Setup
To house Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow together, plan for an aquarium of at least 250 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, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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 White Cloud Mountain Minnow'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.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow need?
A minimum of 250 litres (tank length at least 120 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 White Cloud Mountain Minnow together?
Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) requires 23–28°C, while White Cloud Mountain Minnow needs 14–22°C.
Are Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) or White Cloud Mountain Minnow aggressive?
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is highly aggressive (9/10) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow need?
Both species overlap in the 7.6–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
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.
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