Can Mayan Cichlid and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer Live Together?
Mayan Cichlid and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer 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
Can your tank handle Mayan Cichlid and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer?
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
Mayan Cichlid is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Red Tailed Redeye Puffer is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Mayan Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Red Tailed Redeye Puffer.
Mayan Cichlid and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer 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.
There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.
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 6.5 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 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Mayan Cichlid and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer 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.
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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Mayan Cichlid is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Red Tailed Redeye Puffer's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.
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
Mayan Cichlid and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer 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 Mayan Cichlid and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Mayan Cichlid and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Mayan Cichlid and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer 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 Mayan Cichlid and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer 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 Mayan Cichlid or Red Tailed Redeye Puffer aggressive?
Mayan Cichlid is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Mayan Cichlid and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer need?
Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
Will Red Tailed Redeye Puffer nip Mayan Cichlid's fins?
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer is a known fin nipper. If Mayan Cichlid has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Red Tailed Redeye Puffer in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
How do I manage Mayan Cichlid's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Mayan 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.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
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
Related Comparisons
Mayan Cichlid & Black Belt Cichlid
·
Mayan Cichlid & Cuban Cichlid
·
Mayan Cichlid & Blood Parrot Cichlid
·
Mayan Cichlid & Blue Sifter
·
Mayan Cichlid & Convict Cichlid
·
Mayan Cichlid & Cutteri Cichlid
·
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer & Dwarf Pea Puffer
·
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer & Mbu Puffer
·
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer & Abei Puffer
·
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer & Brown Puffer
·
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer & Ceylon Puffer (Brackish)
·
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer & Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
·