Can Electric Blue Johannii and Pacific Sturgeon Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Electric Blue Johannii and Pacific Sturgeon are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap. 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

Pacific Sturgeon

Acipenser transmontanus

🐠Family Group
Electric Blue Johannii
Cichlids - African
Pacific Sturgeon
Oddballs
Temperament
Electric Blue Johannii
Aggressive (8/10)
Pacific Sturgeon
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Electric Blue Johannii
24–28°C
Pacific Sturgeon
10–22°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
7.8–8.6
Pacific Sturgeon
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
10–25
Pacific Sturgeon
4–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
Freshwater Only
Pacific Sturgeon
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
Moderate
Pacific Sturgeon
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 20000 L
Electric Blue Johannii
150 L
Pacific Sturgeon
20000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Electric Blue Johannii
MiddleBottom
Pacific Sturgeon
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Electric Blue Johannii
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Pacific Sturgeon
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShrimp EaterSnail EaterAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Electric Blue Johannii and Pacific Sturgeon?

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
Pacific Sturgeon
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Electric Blue Johannii is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Pacific Sturgeon is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This notable difference means Electric Blue Johannii may occasionally assert dominance over Pacific Sturgeon.

Electric Blue Johannii and Pacific Sturgeon 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

There is no temperature overlap between Electric Blue Johannii (24–28°C) and Pacific Sturgeon (10–22°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.8 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Electric Blue Johannii and Pacific Sturgeon together, plan for an aquarium of at least 20000 litres with a minimum length of 600 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). 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 Pacific Sturgeon 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Electric Blue Johannii and Pacific Sturgeon live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Electric Blue Johannii and Pacific Sturgeon need?

A minimum of 20000 litres (tank length at least 600 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 Pacific Sturgeon together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Electric Blue Johannii requires 24–28°C, while Pacific Sturgeon needs 10–22°C.

Are Electric Blue Johannii or Pacific Sturgeon aggressive?

Electric Blue Johannii is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Pacific Sturgeon is generally mild-mannered (3/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Electric Blue Johannii and Pacific Sturgeon need?

Both species overlap in the 7.8–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

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 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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