Can Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror) together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 280 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Horei Cichlid

Ctenochromis horei

White Saum (Green Terror)

Andinoacara stalsbergi

🐠Family Group
Horei Cichlid
Cichlids - African
White Saum (Green Terror)
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Horei Cichlid
Aggressive (8/10)
White Saum (Green Terror)
Aggressive (8/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Horei Cichlid
24–28°C
White Saum (Green Terror)
20–25°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Horei Cichlid
7.8–9
White Saum (Green Terror)
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Horei Cichlid
10–25
White Saum (Green Terror)
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Horei Cichlid
Freshwater Only
White Saum (Green Terror)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Horei Cichlid
Moderate
White Saum (Green Terror)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 280 L
Horei Cichlid
208 L
White Saum (Green Terror)
280 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Horei Cichlid
MiddleBottom
White Saum (Green Terror)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Horei Cichlid
Territorial (Defends specific area)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesPiscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry Predator
White Saum (Green Terror)
Generally AggressiveTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerPiscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror)?

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.

Horei Cichlid
White Saum (Green Terror)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror) are semi-aggressive species with an aggression score of 8/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Both Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror) are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and 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. Two aggressive species housed together increases risk of fighting.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror) to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

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 Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 280 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.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), 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 Needs Extra Planning in Practice

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror) need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror).

Show 1 more tank size

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 280 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror) need?

A minimum of 280 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 Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 25°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Horei Cichlid or White Saum (Green Terror) aggressive?

Horei Cichlid is semi-aggressive (8/10) and White Saum (Green Terror) is semi-aggressive (8/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Horei Cichlid and White Saum (Green Terror) 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 Horei Cichlid's territorial behaviour?

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