Can Electric Blue Johannii and False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Electric Blue Johannii and False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) 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

Electric Blue Johannii

Pseudotropheus johannii

False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)

Garra cambodgiensis

🐠Family Group
Electric Blue Johannii
Cichlids - African
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
Cyprinids
Temperament
Electric Blue Johannii
Aggressive (8/10)
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
24–28°C
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
20–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Electric Blue Johannii
7.8–8.6
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
10–25
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
Freshwater Only
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
Moderate
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 209 L
Electric Blue Johannii
150 L
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Electric Blue Johannii
MiddleBottom
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Electric Blue Johannii
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Jumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Electric Blue Johannii and False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)?

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.

Electric Blue Johannii
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Electric Blue Johannii is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Electric Blue Johannii may occasionally assert dominance over False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow).

Electric Blue Johannii and False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.

Worth noting: False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) 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 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Electric Blue Johannii (7.8–8.6) and False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) (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 Electric Blue Johannii and False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 209 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), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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

Electric Blue Johannii and False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) 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 Electric Blue Johannii and False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow).

Show 4 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Electric Blue Johannii and False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) live together?

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

What size tank do Electric Blue Johannii and False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) need?

A minimum of 209 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 Electric Blue Johannii and False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Electric Blue Johannii or False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) aggressive?

Electric Blue Johannii is semi-aggressive (8/10) and False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) is moderately assertive (5/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Electric Blue Johannii and False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Electric Blue Johannii prefers 7.8–8.6, while False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Electric Blue Johannii's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Electric Blue Johannii 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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