Can Largereye Lampeye Killifish and Wolf Cichlid Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Largereye Lampeye Killifish and Wolf Cichlid are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Largereye Lampeye Killifish

Micropanchax macrophthalmus

Wolf Cichlid

Parachromis dovii

🐠Family Group
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Killifish
Wolf Cichlid
Cichlids - Central American
Temperament
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Peaceful (1/10)
Wolf Cichlid
Highly Aggressive (10/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
22–28°C
Wolf Cichlid
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
6–7.5
Wolf Cichlid
6.8–8.2
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
4–15
Wolf Cichlid
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Freshwater Only
Wolf Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Low
Wolf Cichlid
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 750 L
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
40 L
Wolf Cichlid
750 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
TopMiddle
Wolf Cichlid
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)
Wolf Cichlid
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant Destroyer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Largereye Lampeye Killifish and Wolf Cichlid?

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.

Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Wolf Cichlid
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Largereye Lampeye Killifish is a peaceful species (1/10), while Wolf Cichlid is highly aggressive (10/10). This notable difference means Wolf Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Largereye Lampeye Killifish.

Large aggression gap (9 points) between Largereye Lampeye Killifish and Wolf Cichlid increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Largereye Lampeye Killifish and Wolf Cichlid 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.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species.

Worth noting: Largereye Lampeye Killifish 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 6.8 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Largereye Lampeye Killifish and Wolf Cichlid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 750 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: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Wolf Cichlid is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Largereye Lampeye Killifish's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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

Largereye Lampeye Killifish and Wolf Cichlid 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Largereye Lampeye Killifish and Wolf Cichlid live together?

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

What size tank do Largereye Lampeye Killifish and Wolf Cichlid need?

A minimum of 750 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 Largereye Lampeye Killifish and Wolf Cichlid 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 Largereye Lampeye Killifish or Wolf Cichlid aggressive?

Largereye Lampeye Killifish is peaceful (1/10) and Wolf Cichlid is highly aggressive (10/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Largereye Lampeye Killifish and Wolf Cichlid need?

Both species overlap in the 6.8–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Wolf Cichlid's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Wolf 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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