Can Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Siamese Tiger Fish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Siamese Tiger Fish 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

Neolamprologus Fasciatus

Neolamprologus fasciatus

Siamese Tiger Fish

Datnioides pulcher

🐠Family Group
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
Cichlids - African
Siamese Tiger Fish
Oddballs
Temperament
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Siamese Tiger Fish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
24–27°C
Siamese Tiger Fish
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
7.8–9
Siamese Tiger Fish
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
10–25
Siamese Tiger Fish
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
Freshwater Only
Siamese Tiger Fish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
Moderate
Siamese Tiger Fish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 680 L
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
200 L
Siamese Tiger Fish
680 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
BottomMiddle
Siamese Tiger Fish
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Neolamprologus Fasciatus
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorTerritorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Siamese Tiger Fish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Territorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Siamese Tiger Fish?

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
Siamese Tiger Fish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Siamese Tiger Fish are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Siamese Tiger Fish both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and 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.

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 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Neolamprologus Fasciatus (7.8–9) and Siamese Tiger Fish (6.5–7.5) 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 Siamese Tiger Fish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 680 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: Sand (Sifters), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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 Siamese Tiger Fish 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 Siamese Tiger Fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Siamese Tiger Fish 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 Siamese Tiger Fish need?

A minimum of 680 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 Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Siamese Tiger Fish 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 Neolamprologus Fasciatus or Siamese Tiger Fish aggressive?

Neolamprologus Fasciatus is moderately assertive (6/10) and Siamese Tiger Fish is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Neolamprologus Fasciatus and Siamese Tiger Fish need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Neolamprologus Fasciatus prefers 7.8–9, while Siamese Tiger Fish needs 6.5–7.5. 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
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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