Can Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Rose Danio Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Rose Danio are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and 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

Neolamprologus Fasciatus

Neolamprologus fasciatus

Rose Danio

Danio roseus

🐠Family Group
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
Cichlids - African
Rose Danio
Cyprinids
Temperament
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Rose Danio
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
24–27°C
Rose Danio
20–26°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
7.8–9
Rose Danio
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
10–25
Rose Danio
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
Freshwater Only
Rose Danio
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
Moderate
Rose Danio
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
200 L
Rose Danio
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
BottomMiddle
Rose Danio
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorTerritorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Rose Danio
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Rose Danio?

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.

Neolamprologus Fasciatus
Rose Danio
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Behaviour & Temperament

Neolamprologus Fasciatus is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Rose Danio is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Neolamprologus Fasciatus may occasionally assert dominance over Rose Danio.

Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Rose Danio 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 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: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Rose Danio 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 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Neolamprologus Fasciatus (7.8–9) and Rose Danio (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 Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Rose Danio 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), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered. 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

Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Rose Danio 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 Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Rose Danio.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Neolamprologus Fasciatus is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Rose Danio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Rose Danio live together?

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

What size tank do Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Rose Danio 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 Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Rose Danio together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Neolamprologus Fasciatus or Rose Danio aggressive?

Neolamprologus Fasciatus is moderately assertive (6/10) and Rose Danio is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Rose Danio need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Neolamprologus Fasciatus prefers 7.8–9, while Rose Danio needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Neolamprologus Fasciatus's territorial behaviour?

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