Can Bee Shrimp and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) Live Together?

Bee Shrimp is a peaceful species (0/10), while Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) is semi-aggressive (8/10). This notable difference means Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) may occasionally assert dominance over Bee Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (8 points) between Bee Shrimp and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Bee Shrimp and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Bee Shrimp (5.5–6.8) and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) (8–9) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Bee Shrimp needs 3–6 dGH while Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) requires 10–25 dGH.

To house Bee Shrimp and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 280 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: Soil / Nutrient Rich, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Bee Shrimp requires Soil / Nutrient Rich, while Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) requires Sand (Sifters). These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Bee Shrimp requires Soil / Nutrient Rich, while Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) requires Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Bee Shrimp's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Bee Shrimp and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) 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.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) is an aggressive eater that may prevent Bee Shrimp from getting enough food.

Because Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Bee Shrimp receives an adequate share.