Can Bumblebee Cichlid and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) Live Together?

Bumblebee Cichlid is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Bumblebee Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora).

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Bumblebee Cichlid and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Bumblebee Cichlid and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) 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.

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 Bumblebee Cichlid (7.8–8.6) and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) (5.5–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Bumblebee Cichlid and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Bumblebee Cichlid is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)'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.

Bumblebee Cichlid and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) 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.