Can Brevis Shelldweller and Electric Blue Hap Live Together?

Not Recommended

Brevis Shelldweller and Electric Blue Hap are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Brevis Shelldweller

Neolamprologus brevis

Electric Blue Hap

Sciaenochromis fryeri

🐟Family Group
Brevis Shelldweller
Cichlids - African
Electric Blue Hap
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Brevis Shelldweller
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Electric Blue Hap
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Brevis Shelldweller
24–28Β°C
Electric Blue Hap
24–28Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Brevis Shelldweller
8–9
Electric Blue Hap
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Brevis Shelldweller
10–25
Electric Blue Hap
10–25
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Brevis Shelldweller
Freshwater Only
Electric Blue Hap
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Brevis Shelldweller
Moderate
Electric Blue Hap
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Brevis Shelldweller
38 L
Electric Blue Hap
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Brevis Shelldweller
Bottom
Electric Blue Hap
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Brevis Shelldweller
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Territorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Electric Blue Hap
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Fry PredatorAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Brevis Shelldweller and Electric Blue Hap?

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.

Brevis Shelldweller
Electric Blue Hap
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Brevis Shelldweller is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Electric Blue Hap is semi-aggressive (7/10). This modest difference means Electric Blue Hap may occasionally assert dominance over Brevis Shelldweller.

Brevis Shelldweller and Electric Blue Hap 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.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other β€” piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 8 and 8.6. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–25 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Brevis Shelldweller and Electric Blue Hap together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 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), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Brevis Shelldweller and Electric Blue Hap.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Brevis Shelldweller and Electric Blue Hap live together?

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

What size tank do Brevis Shelldweller and Electric Blue Hap need?

A minimum of 200 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 Brevis Shelldweller and Electric Blue Hap together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. A target of around 26.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Brevis Shelldweller or Electric Blue Hap aggressive?

Brevis Shelldweller is moderately assertive (5/10) and Electric Blue Hap is semi-aggressive (7/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Brevis Shelldweller and Electric Blue Hap need?

Both species overlap in the 8–8.6 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Brevis Shelldweller's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Brevis Shelldweller space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding dΓ©cor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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