Can Venustus Cichlid live with Electric Blue Acara?

Troubleshooting community setups: see the compatibility result using temperature, pH, GH/KH, adult size, behavior, schooling needs, and predator/prey rules.

Quick Summary: No, this pairing should usually be avoided. We evaluated Venustus Cichlid and Electric Blue Acara for 3 specific conflict codes. Plan for at least 125 gallons.

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No, avoid this pairing

Data confidence: high

aggression_riskAggression or territorial behavior needs extra space, cover, and careful observation.
bioload_warningAdult size and waste production require large-tank filtration and maintenance planning.
biotope_mismatchVenustus needs a large hard-water Malawi predator setup and should not be planned as a mixed community or New World cichlid tankmate.

Verified sources: Nimbochromis venustus overview | Mbuna overview | Labidochromis caeruleus overview

venustus cichlid | electric blue acara | venustus cichlid | electric blue acara

Observed photo context

Observed aquarium photo examples

These photos show observed aquarium setups for the selected species. They are useful context, but they do not change the compatibility result or replace tank-size, temperament, group-size, and water-parameter checks.

Venustus cichlid in a retail African cichlid aquarium.

Water parameter comparison

Venustus Cichlid temperature74-80F

Electric Blue Acara temperature72-82F

Venustus Cichlid pH7.6-8.6

Electric Blue Acara pH6.5-8

Venustus Cichlid GH10-20 dGH

Electric Blue Acara GH4-18 dGH

Minimum tank125 gal

Last updated2026-06-11

Confidence: high. Aggression, predator/prey, shrimp risk, schooling, and tank size rules are evaluated from curated freshwater attributes.

Next steps

Check BioloadCalculate if your tank volume and filtration can support this pairing.Find More Tank MatesSee other compatible species and compare more pairings.Water Parameter CheckConfirm that your tap water matches the selected species.

Can Venustus Cichlid live with Electric Blue Acara?

No, avoid this pairing

Observed aquarium photo examples

Water parameter comparison

Next steps

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