Can Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Uaru Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Not Recommended

Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Uaru are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Blue Dolphin (Hap)

Cyrtocara moorii

Uaru

Uaru amphiacanthoides

🐠Family Group
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Cichlids - African
Uaru
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Uaru
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
24–28°C
Uaru
27–30°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
7.5–8.6
Uaru
5–7
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
10–25
Uaru
1–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Freshwater Only
Uaru
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Moderate
Uaru
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 475 L
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
475 L
Uaru
400 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
MiddleBottom
Uaru
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Uaru
Plant DestroyerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Shrimp Eater
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Uaru?

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.

Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Uaru
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Blue Dolphin (Hap) is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Uaru is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Blue Dolphin (Hap) may occasionally assert dominance over Uaru.

Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Uaru both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 27°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Blue Dolphin (Hap) (7.5–8.6) and Uaru (5–7) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Blue Dolphin (Hap) needs 10–25 dGH while Uaru requires 1–8 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Uaru together, plan for an aquarium of at least 475 litres with a minimum length of 150 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), 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

Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Uaru 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Uaru.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Uaru live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Uaru need?

A minimum of 475 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Uaru together?

Keep the aquarium between 27°C and 28°C. A target of around 27.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Blue Dolphin (Hap) or Uaru aggressive?

Blue Dolphin (Hap) is moderately assertive (5/10) and Uaru is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Uaru need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Blue Dolphin (Hap) prefers 7.5–8.6, while Uaru needs 5–7. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

Editorial Review

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?
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