Can Checkerboard Cichlid and Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) Live Together?

Checkerboard Cichlid is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) may occasionally assert dominance over Checkerboard Cichlid.

Checkerboard Cichlid and Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) 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.

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.

Worth noting: Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

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.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 6.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–5 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Checkerboard Cichlid and Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 1000 litres with a minimum length of 240 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Checkerboard Cichlid's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Checkerboard Cichlid prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Checkerboard Cichlid and Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) is an aggressive eater that may prevent Checkerboard Cichlid from getting enough food.

Because Cigar Shark (Mad Barb) is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Checkerboard Cichlid receives an adequate share.