Can Marlier's Julie and West African Bichir Live Together?
Marlier's Julie and West African Bichir 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 Marlier's Julie and West African Bichir?
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
Marlier's Julie is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while West African Bichir is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Marlier's Julie may occasionally assert dominance over West African Bichir.
Marlier's Julie and West African Bichir 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.
Worth noting: West African Bichir is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, West African Bichir 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 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Marlier's Julie (8.2–9.3) and West African Bichir (6–8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Marlier's Julie and West African Bichir together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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
Marlier's Julie and West African Bichir 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 Marlier's Julie and West African Bichir.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Marlier's Julie and West African Bichir live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Marlier's Julie and West African Bichir need?
A minimum of 200 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 Marlier's Julie and West African Bichir together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Marlier's Julie or West African Bichir aggressive?
Marlier's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10) and West African Bichir is moderately assertive (5/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Marlier's Julie and West African Bichir need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Marlier's Julie prefers 8.2–9.3, while West African Bichir needs 6–8. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Marlier's Julie's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Marlier's Julie 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 West African Bichir being nocturnal affect compatibility?
West African Bichir 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 West African Bichir 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 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
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