Can Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii) 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

Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)

Chindongo flavus

Julii Corydoras (False Julii)

Corydoras trilineatus

🐠Family Group
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)
Cichlids - African
Julii Corydoras (False Julii)
Catfish
Temperament
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)
Aggressive (8/10)
Julii Corydoras (False Julii)
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)
24–28°C
Julii Corydoras (False Julii)
22–26°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)
7.8–8.6
Julii Corydoras (False Julii)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)
10–25
Julii Corydoras (False Julii)
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)
Freshwater Only
Julii Corydoras (False Julii)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)
Moderate
Julii Corydoras (False Julii)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 260 L
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)
200 L
Julii Corydoras (False Julii)
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)
MiddleBottom
Julii Corydoras (False Julii)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerPlant Destroyer
Julii Corydoras (False Julii)
Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii)?

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.

Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)
Julii Corydoras (False Julii)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Julii Corydoras (False Julii) is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) may occasionally assert dominance over Julii Corydoras (False Julii).

Large aggression gap (8 points) between Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii) 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

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) (7.8–8.6) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii) (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 Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 260 litres with a minimum length of 120 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), Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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

Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii) 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 Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii).

Show 1 more tank size

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii) live together?

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

What size tank do Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii) need?

A minimum of 260 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) or Julii Corydoras (False Julii) aggressive?

Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii) is peaceful (0/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) and Julii Corydoras (False Julii) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) prefers 7.8–8.6, while Julii Corydoras (False Julii) needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) 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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