Can Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Three-Spot Torpedo Hap Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Three-Spot Torpedo Hap 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

Three-Spot Torpedo Hap

Exochochromis anagenys

🐠Family Group
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Cichlids - South American
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Aggressive (7/10)
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
24–28°C
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
23–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
5.5–7
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
7.5–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
1–10
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
High
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 570 L
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
130 L
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
570 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
BottomMiddle
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
MiddleBottom
🏷️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)
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Three-Spot Torpedo Hap?

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
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid is a semi-aggressive species (7/10), while Three-Spot Torpedo Hap is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Three-Spot Torpedo Hap.

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Three-Spot Torpedo Hap both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and 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: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.

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 Three-Spot Torpedo Hap (7.5–8.6) 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 Three-Spot Torpedo Hap together, plan for an aquarium of at least 570 litres with a minimum length of 180 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). 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 Three-Spot Torpedo Hap 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 Three-Spot Torpedo Hap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Three-Spot Torpedo Hap 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 Three-Spot Torpedo Hap need?

A minimum of 570 litres (tank length at least 180 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 Three-Spot Torpedo Hap 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 Three-Spot Torpedo Hap aggressive?

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid is semi-aggressive (7/10) and Three-Spot Torpedo Hap is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Three-Spot Torpedo Hap need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid prefers 5.5–7, while Three-Spot Torpedo Hap needs 7.5–8.6. 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 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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