Can Festivum and Three-Spot Torpedo Hap Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Festivum 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

Festivum

Mesonauta festivus

Three-Spot Torpedo Hap

Exochochromis anagenys

🐠Family Group
Festivum
Cichlids - South American
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Festivum
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Festivum
24–28°C
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
23–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Festivum
5.5–7.2
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
7.5–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Festivum
2–12
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Festivum
Freshwater Only
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Festivum
Low
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 570 L
Festivum
150 L
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
570 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Festivum
TopMiddle
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Festivum
Plant DestroyerJumper (Lid Required)Territorial (Defends specific area)
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Festivum 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.

Festivum
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Festivum is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Three-Spot Torpedo Hap is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Three-Spot Torpedo Hap may occasionally assert dominance over Festivum.

Festivum and Three-Spot Torpedo Hap 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: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.

Worth noting: Festivum 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 Festivum (5.5–7.2) 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 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Festivum 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: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Festivum 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 Festivum and Three-Spot Torpedo Hap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Festivum 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 Festivum 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 Festivum 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 Festivum or Three-Spot Torpedo Hap aggressive?

Festivum is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Three-Spot Torpedo Hap is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Festivum and Three-Spot Torpedo Hap need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Festivum prefers 5.5–7.2, while Three-Spot Torpedo Hap needs 7.5–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Festivum's territorial behaviour?

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