Can Sulphur Crest Lithobates and Uaru Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Sulphur Crest Lithobates and Uaru are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Sulphur Crest Lithobates

Otopharynx lithobates

Uaru

Uaru amphiacanthoides

🐠Family Group
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Cichlids - African
Uaru
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Uaru
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
24–28°C
Uaru
27–30°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
7.8–8.6
Uaru
5–7
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
10–25
Uaru
1–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Freshwater Only
Uaru
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Moderate
Uaru
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 400 L
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
250 L
Uaru
400 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
MiddleBottom
Uaru
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesFry Predator
Uaru
Plant DestroyerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Shrimp Eater
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Sulphur Crest Lithobates and Uaru?

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.

Sulphur Crest Lithobates
Uaru
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Sulphur Crest Lithobates is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Uaru is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Sulphur Crest Lithobates may occasionally assert dominance over Uaru.

Sulphur Crest Lithobates and Uaru 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 27°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Sulphur Crest Lithobates (7.8–8.6) and Uaru (5–7) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Sulphur Crest Lithobates needs 10–25 dGH while Uaru requires 1–8 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Sulphur Crest Lithobates and Uaru together, plan for an aquarium of at least 400 litres with a minimum length of 150 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). 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

Sulphur Crest Lithobates and Uaru 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 Sulphur Crest Lithobates and Uaru.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Sulphur Crest Lithobates and Uaru live together?

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

What size tank do Sulphur Crest Lithobates and Uaru need?

A minimum of 400 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Sulphur Crest Lithobates and Uaru together?

Keep the aquarium between 27°C and 28°C. A target of around 27.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Sulphur Crest Lithobates or Uaru aggressive?

Sulphur Crest Lithobates is moderately assertive (6/10) and Uaru is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Sulphur Crest Lithobates and Uaru need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Sulphur Crest Lithobates prefers 7.8–8.6, while Uaru needs 5–7. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Sulphur Crest Lithobates's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Sulphur Crest Lithobates 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 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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