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Is Micro Sword a Good Plant for Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Micro Sword is not recommended for Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus). The issue is practical, not cosmetic: their pH ranges do not line up well enough for one stable setup.

Micro Sword

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis

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PlacementForeground
LightModerate
DifficultyIntermediate
Size7 × 15 cm

Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)

Chindongo flavus

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TemperamentAggressive
FamilyCichlids - African
Temp24–28°C
Water TypeFreshwater Only

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.

Overall fit

50/100

The fish is likely to outgrow, uproot, or out-pressure the plant.

Water match

Limited overlap

One or more core water ranges does not overlap cleanly.

Plant pressure

High

Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) may chew, uproot, or stress this plant.

Layout value

High cover

Micro Sword helps with good refuge for shrimp, good refuge for fry, good grazing surface, and useful spawning site.

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.

Temperature
Micro Sword15-28°C
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)24-28°C

Overlap: 24-28°C.

pH
Micro Sword6-7.5
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)7.8-8.6

Overlap: pH No clean overlap.

Hardness
Micro Sword2-15 dGH
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)10-25 dGH

Overlap: 10-15 dGH.

Water and flow
Micro SwordBrackish Tolerant, Moderate (Standard)
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)Freshwater Only, Moderate (Standard)

Flow expectations are close enough for one layout.

Space used
Micro SwordForeground and Carpeting
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate)
Pressure signals
Micro SwordHigh uproot resistance, Tough / leathery leaves
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)Aggressive, Generally Aggressive, Aggressive to same species/look-alikes, and Territorial (Defends specific area)

Plant pressure: High.

Planting value
Micro SwordGood refuge for shrimp, Good refuge for fry, Good grazing surface, and Useful spawning site, Nutrient-rich substrate preferred
Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), and Established Algae (Otocinclus)

Shared Tank Conditions

Micro Sword and Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) do not share a clean environmental window, so the pairing is already under pressure before behaviour is even considered.

Both do best with moderate flow, so circulation does not need to be split into competing zones.

Water type can work if the tank stays in the shared part of freshwater to lightly brackish water and freshwater conditions.

Fish Pressure and Plant Resilience

Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) puts heavy pressure on plants, so this species is likely to be chewed, uprooted, or stressed in day-to-day use.

Micro Sword has high cover density, high uproot resistance, and tough / leathery leaves. It can also help with shrimp refuge, fry refuge, grazing surfaces, and spawning sites.

Micro Sword is less tempting than softer, more palatable plants for known nibblers.

The limiting issue is their pH ranges do not line up well enough for one stable setup.

Layout Fit

Micro Sword is a stolon / runner plant usually used foreground and carpeting.

Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) is an African cichlid, so the pairing works best when the planting style supports how that fish uses space and cover.

Micro Sword reaches about 7 cm tall by 15 cm wide and is usually rooted in substrate with nutrient-rich substrate preferred. 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 shrimp refuge, fry refuge, grazing surfaces, and spawning sites. Place it where Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) 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: Their pH ranges do not line up well enough for one stable setup.

Best Use Case

Micro Sword is usually the wrong plant for Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) 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 Micro Sword and Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)

Is Micro Sword a good plant for Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)?

Micro Sword is not recommended for Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus). The issue is practical, not cosmetic: their pH ranges do not line up well enough for one stable setup.

Can Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) damage Micro Sword?

Their pH ranges do not line up well enough for one stable setup.

Do Micro Sword and Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus) share the same water conditions?

No. The biggest issue is that their water conditions do not line up cleanly enough for a long-term planted setup.

What does Micro Sword add to a tank with Flavus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Flavus)?

Micro Sword is less tempting than softer, more palatable plants for known nibblers.

What is the main risk in this plant and fish pairing?

Their pH ranges do not line up well enough for one stable setup.

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?
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