Can Kenyi Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish Live Together?
Kenyi Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish 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
Can your tank handle Kenyi Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish?
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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Kenyi Cichlid is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while Lima Shovelnose Catfish is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This notable difference means Kenyi Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Lima Shovelnose Catfish.
Kenyi Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish 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.
Worth noting: Lima Shovelnose Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Lima Shovelnose Catfish 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 Kenyi Cichlid (7.8–8.6) and Lima Shovelnose Catfish (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 Kenyi Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 500 litres with a minimum length of 150 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating. 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
Kenyi Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish 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 Kenyi Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Kenyi Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Kenyi Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish need?
A minimum of 500 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Kenyi Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish 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 Kenyi Cichlid or Lima Shovelnose Catfish aggressive?
Kenyi Cichlid is highly aggressive (9/10) and Lima Shovelnose Catfish is generally mild-mannered (4/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Kenyi Cichlid and Lima Shovelnose Catfish need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Kenyi Cichlid prefers 7.8–8.6, while Lima Shovelnose Catfish needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Kenyi Cichlid's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Kenyi 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.
Does Lima Shovelnose Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?
Lima Shovelnose Catfish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Lima Shovelnose Catfish during evening hours.
Shared setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 6, 2026
- Last updated
- May 6, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
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