Can Shovelnose Sturgeon and Telmatochromis dhonti Live Together?

Shovelnose Sturgeon is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Telmatochromis dhonti is semi-aggressive (8/10). This notable difference means Telmatochromis dhonti may occasionally assert dominance over Shovelnose Sturgeon.

Shovelnose Sturgeon and Telmatochromis dhonti 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: Shovelnose Sturgeon is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

There is no temperature overlap between Shovelnose Sturgeon (10–22°C) and Telmatochromis dhonti (24–28°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.8 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Shovelnose Sturgeon and Telmatochromis dhonti together, plan for an aquarium of at least 3000 litres with a minimum length of 300 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), Shells (Breeding/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with high (river/stream) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Shovelnose Sturgeon and Telmatochromis dhonti 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.