Can Endler's Livebearer and Hongsloi Apistogramma Live Together?
Endler's Livebearer and Hongsloi Apistogramma are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Endler's Livebearer and Hongsloi Apistogramma?
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.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Behaviour & Temperament
Endler's Livebearer is a peaceful species (1/10), while Hongsloi Apistogramma is moderately assertive (5/10). This notable difference means Hongsloi Apistogramma may occasionally assert dominance over Endler's Livebearer.
Endler's Livebearer and Hongsloi Apistogramma 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.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.
Worth noting: Endler's Livebearer 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.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
Hardness requirements are incompatible: Endler's Livebearer needs 10–25 dGH while Hongsloi Apistogramma requires 1–8 dGH.
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Tank Setup
To house Endler's Livebearer and Hongsloi Apistogramma together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 litres with a minimum length of 60 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: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, 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.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Endler's Livebearer and Hongsloi Apistogramma.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Diet & Feeding
Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Hongsloi Apistogramma is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Endler's Livebearer.
Feeding products to consider
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Endler's Livebearer and Hongsloi Apistogramma live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Endler's Livebearer and Hongsloi Apistogramma need?
A minimum of 60 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Endler's Livebearer and Hongsloi Apistogramma 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 Endler's Livebearer or Hongsloi Apistogramma aggressive?
Endler's Livebearer is peaceful (1/10) and Hongsloi Apistogramma is moderately assertive (5/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Endler's Livebearer and Hongsloi Apistogramma need?
Both species overlap in the 7–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
How do I manage Hongsloi Apistogramma's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Hongsloi Apistogramma 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.
Related Comparisons
Endler's Livebearer & Dwarf Molly
·
Endler's Livebearer & Humpbacked Limia
·
Endler's Livebearer & Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
·
Endler's Livebearer & Northern Mountain Swordtail
·
Endler's Livebearer & Platy
·
Endler's Livebearer & Balloon Molly
·
Hongsloi Apistogramma & Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid)
·
Hongsloi Apistogramma & Aequidens sp. Atabapo
·
Hongsloi Apistogramma & Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid)
·
Hongsloi Apistogramma & Apistogramma Broad-banded
·
Hongsloi Apistogramma & Apistogramma macmasteri
·
Hongsloi Apistogramma & Apistogramma Mamoré
·