Is Creeping Jenny a Good Plant for Neolamprologus Similis?
Creeping Jenny is not recommended for Neolamprologus Similis. The issue is practical, not cosmetic: neolamprologus Similis is likely to uproot this plant while digging through the substrate.
Creeping Jenny
Lysimachia nummularia
Neolamprologus Similis
Neolamprologus similis
Quick Decision
A plant can be technically compatible with a fish and still fail in the actual tank if the fish digs, chews, needs denser cover, or uses a different part of the layout.
68/100
The fish is likely to outgrow, uproot, or out-pressure the plant.
Workable overlap
Shared range: 24-26°C, pH 7.8-8, 10-15 dGH.
High
Neolamprologus Similis may chew, uproot, or stress this plant.
Moderate cover
Creeping Jenny helps with breaks lines of sight and good refuge for fry.
Plant and Fish Fit Notes
Use these signals to decide whether the plant is doing useful work for the fish, or whether it is only surviving beside it.
Overlap: 24-26°C.
Overlap: pH 7.8-8.
Overlap: 10-15 dGH.
Flow expectations are close enough for one layout.
Plant pressure: High.
Shared Tank Conditions
Creeping Jenny fits inside the water range normally used for Neolamprologus Similis. The shared window is about 24 to 26 °C, pH 7.8 to 8, and 10 to 15 dGH, which gives you enough room to aim for stable middle-ground conditions.
Both do best with moderate flow, so circulation does not need to be split into competing zones.
Both are suited to freshwater, so salinity does not add an extra planning problem.
Fish Pressure and Plant Resilience
Neolamprologus Similis puts heavy pressure on plants, so this species is likely to be chewed, uprooted, or stressed in day-to-day use.
Creeping Jenny has moderate cover density, low uproot resistance, and standard leaves. It can also help with breaking up sight lines and fry refuge.
The plant helps break up sight lines, which can soften territorial behaviour.
The limiting issue is neolamprologus Similis is likely to uproot this plant while digging through the substrate.
Layout Fit
Creeping Jenny is a stem plant usually used midground and background.
Neolamprologus Similis is an African cichlid, so the pairing works best when the planting style supports how that fish uses space and cover.
Creeping Jenny reaches about 40 cm tall by 5 cm wide and is usually rooted in substrate with inert substrate is fine. That makes placement and anchoring more important than simply adding a larger bunch of stems or leaves.
In this pairing, the useful plant values are line-of-sight breaks and fry refuge. Place it where Neolamprologus Similis can actually use that structure instead of hiding the plant where it cannot do much.
Practical Recommendation
For most keepers, a tougher or better-matched plant is the smarter choice. If you still try it, test with a small amount first and be ready to move the plant before it is badly damaged.
The decision should center on this signal: Neolamprologus Similis is likely to uproot this plant while digging through the substrate.
Best Use Case
Creeping Jenny is usually the wrong plant for Neolamprologus Similis if your goal is a stable display tank. The issue is rarely one dramatic failure on day one; it is the steady mismatch between what the fish does in the scape and what the plant needs to stay attractive long term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creeping Jenny and Neolamprologus Similis
Is Creeping Jenny a good plant for Neolamprologus Similis?
Creeping Jenny is not recommended for Neolamprologus Similis. The issue is practical, not cosmetic: neolamprologus Similis is likely to uproot this plant while digging through the substrate.
Can Neolamprologus Similis damage Creeping Jenny?
Neolamprologus Similis is likely to uproot this plant while digging through the substrate.
Creeping Jenny and Neolamprologus Similis share a workable water window around 24 to 26 °C, pH 7.8 to 8, and 10 to 15 dGH. Keep the tank near the middle of that overlap for the best long-term result.
What does Creeping Jenny add to a tank with Neolamprologus Similis?
The plant helps break up sight lines, which can soften territorial behaviour.
What is the main risk in this plant and fish pairing?
Neolamprologus Similis is likely to uproot this plant while digging through the substrate.
Plant and fish setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 6, 2026
- Last updated
- May 6, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
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