Can apistogramma live with firemouth cichlids?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Apistogramma and firemouth cichlids can share a tank, but watch one thing. Both claim territory on the bottom. Give each its own cave and plenty of floor space.

Apistogramma75–84°F · pH 5–7

Firemouth cichlid75–86°F · pH 6.5–8

What to watch

Watch outBoth claim territory on the bottom. Give each its own cave and plenty of floor space.

What works

Both are fine at 75–84°F.
pH 6.5–7 suits both.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

	Apistogramma	Firemouth cichlid
Temperature	75–84 °F	75–86 °F
pH	5–7	6.5–8
Adult size	3.0 in	6.0 in
Minimum tank	20 gal	30 gal
Temperament	Semi-aggressive	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	Bottom	Bottom
Group	Alone or in pairs	Alone or in pairs
Diet	Carnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for apistogramma

All apistogramma tank mates

Better tank mates for firemouth cichlids

All firemouth cichlid tank mates

Questions

Can apistogramma live with firemouth cichlids?

Yes, with care. Apistogramma and firemouth cichlids can share a tank, but watch one thing. Both claim territory on the bottom. Give each its own cave and plenty of floor space.

What temperature suits both apistogramma and firemouth cichlids?

75–84 °F. Apistogramma need 75–84 °F, firemouth cichlids need 75–86 °F.

What size tank do apistogramma and firemouth cichlids need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the firemouth cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.