Can Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Humpbacked Limia Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Humpbacked Limia 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

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla compressiceps

Humpbacked Limia

Limia nigrofasciata

🐠Family Group
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Cichlids - South American
Humpbacked Limia
Livebearers
Temperament
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Aggressive (7/10)
Humpbacked Limia
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
24–28°C
Humpbacked Limia
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
5.5–7
Humpbacked Limia
7.2–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
1–10
Humpbacked Limia
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Humpbacked Limia
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
High
Humpbacked Limia
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 130 L
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
130 L
Humpbacked Limia
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
BottomMiddle
Humpbacked Limia
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Humpbacked Limia
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Humpbacked Limia?

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.

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Humpbacked Limia
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid is a semi-aggressive species (7/10), while Humpbacked Limia is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Humpbacked Limia.

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Humpbacked Limia 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.

Worth noting: Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

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 Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid (5.5–7) and Humpbacked Limia (7.2–8.5) 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 Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Humpbacked Limia together, plan for an aquarium of at least 130 litres with a minimum length of 90 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with high (river/stream) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Humpbacked Limia 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 Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Humpbacked Limia.

Show 9 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Humpbacked Limia live together?

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

What size tank do Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Humpbacked Limia need?

A minimum of 130 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Humpbacked Limia together?

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

Are Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid or Humpbacked Limia aggressive?

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid is semi-aggressive (7/10) and Humpbacked Limia is peaceful (2/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Humpbacked Limia need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid prefers 5.5–7, while Humpbacked Limia needs 7.2–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid 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?
Contact the editorial team

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