Can Dickfeld's Julie and Lacerda Cory C015 Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Dickfeld's Julie and Lacerda Cory C015 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

Dickfeld's Julie

Julidochromis dickfeldi

Lacerda Cory C015

Scleromystax lacerdai

🐠Family Group
Dickfeld's Julie
Cichlids - African
Lacerda Cory C015
Catfish
Temperament
Dickfeld's Julie
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Lacerda Cory C015
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dickfeld's Julie
23–27°C
Lacerda Cory C015
20–25°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Dickfeld's Julie
8–9
Lacerda Cory C015
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dickfeld's Julie
10–25
Lacerda Cory C015
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dickfeld's Julie
Freshwater Only
Lacerda Cory C015
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dickfeld's Julie
Moderate
Lacerda Cory C015
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 128 L
Dickfeld's Julie
75 L
Lacerda Cory C015
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Dickfeld's Julie
BottomMiddle
Lacerda Cory C015
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dickfeld's Julie
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Lacerda Cory C015
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dickfeld's Julie and Lacerda Cory C015?

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.

Dickfeld's Julie
Lacerda Cory C015
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Dickfeld's Julie is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Lacerda Cory C015 is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Dickfeld's Julie may occasionally assert dominance over Lacerda Cory C015.

Dickfeld's Julie and Lacerda Cory C015 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Dickfeld's Julie (8–9) and Lacerda Cory C015 (6–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Dickfeld's Julie and Lacerda Cory C015 together, plan for an aquarium of at least 128 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), 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 Lacerda Cory C015 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 Lacerda Cory C015.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dickfeld's Julie and Lacerda Cory C015 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 Lacerda Cory C015 need?

A minimum of 128 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 Lacerda Cory C015 together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 25°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Dickfeld's Julie or Lacerda Cory C015 aggressive?

Dickfeld's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10) and Lacerda Cory C015 is peaceful (2/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Dickfeld's Julie and Lacerda Cory C015 need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Dickfeld's Julie prefers 8–9, while Lacerda Cory C015 needs 6–7.5. 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.

Editorial Review

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?
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