Can Bleeding Heart Tetra and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) Live Together?
Bleeding Heart Tetra and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) 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
Behaviour & Temperament
Bleeding Heart Tetra is a peaceful species (2/10), while Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) is semi-aggressive (8/10). This notable difference means Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) may occasionally assert dominance over Bleeding Heart Tetra.
Large aggression gap (6 points) between Bleeding Heart Tetra and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.
Bleeding Heart Tetra and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) 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.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Bleeding Heart Tetra (5.5–7.2) and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) (8–9) 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. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.
Tank Setup
To house Bleeding Heart Tetra and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 336 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.
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: Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Bleeding Heart Tetra'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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bleeding Heart Tetra and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) live together?▾
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Bleeding Heart Tetra and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) need?▾
A minimum of 336 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 Bleeding Heart Tetra and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) together?▾
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Bleeding Heart Tetra or Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) aggressive?▾
Bleeding Heart Tetra is peaceful (2/10) and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) is semi-aggressive (8/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Bleeding Heart Tetra and Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) need?▾
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Bleeding Heart Tetra prefers 5.5–7.2, while Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) needs 8–9. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
Will Bleeding Heart Tetra nip Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus)'s fins?▾
Bleeding Heart Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Bleeding Heart Tetra in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
How do I manage Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus)'s territorial behaviour?▾
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus) 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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