Can Dickfeld's Julie and Dwarf Pencilfish Live Together?
Dickfeld's Julie and Dwarf Pencilfish 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
Can your tank handle Dickfeld's Julie and Dwarf Pencilfish?
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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Dickfeld's Julie is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Dwarf Pencilfish is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Dickfeld's Julie may occasionally assert dominance over Dwarf Pencilfish.
Dickfeld's Julie and Dwarf Pencilfish 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: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.
Worth noting: Dwarf Pencilfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Dickfeld's Julie (8–9) and Dwarf Pencilfish (4–7) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Dickfeld's Julie and Dwarf Pencilfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 75 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), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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
Dickfeld's Julie and Dwarf Pencilfish 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 Dickfeld's Julie and Dwarf Pencilfish.
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
Show 15 more tank sizes
Diet & Feeding
Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Dickfeld's Julie is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Dwarf Pencilfish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dickfeld's Julie and Dwarf Pencilfish live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Dickfeld's Julie and Dwarf Pencilfish need?
A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 75 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 Dickfeld's Julie and Dwarf Pencilfish together?
Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Dickfeld's Julie or Dwarf Pencilfish aggressive?
Dickfeld's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10) and Dwarf Pencilfish is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Dickfeld's Julie and Dwarf Pencilfish need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Dickfeld's Julie prefers 8–9, while Dwarf Pencilfish needs 4–7. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Dickfeld's Julie's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Dickfeld's Julie 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.
Shared setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 6, 2026
- Last updated
- May 6, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
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