Can Firemouth Cichlid Live With Pictus Catfish?
Firemouth Cichlid and Pictus Catfish CAN coexist, but with some risks. Careful setup and monitoring required.
Detailed Analysis
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Good temperature overlap at 75–78°F.
pH
✓ Compatible
Good pH overlap at 6.5–7.5.
Size
✓ Compatible
Compatible sizes (6" and 5").
Temperament
⚠ Use Caution
Firemouth Cichlid (semi-aggressive) may have issues with Pictus Catfish (peaceful). Monitor closely if attempting.
Swim Level
✓ Compatible
Fish occupy different water levels (Firemouth Cichlid: middle, Pictus Catfish: bottom), reducing conflict.
Important Notes
- Pictus Catfish is a schooling fish and needs at least 3 of its kind.
Tank Requirements
Minimum tank size for this combination: 58 gallons
| Parameter | Firemouth Cichlid | Pictus Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–86°F | 72–78°F |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 6–7.5 |
| Max Size | 6" | 5" |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swim Level | Middle | Bottom |
| Min Tank | 30 gal | 55 gal |
Check More Combinations
Use our compatibility checker to add more fish and plan your complete tank.