Compressiceps Cichlid tank mates
Altolamprologus compressiceps
5 rated pairings from the Compressiceps Cichlid care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Compressiceps Cichlid needs at least 30 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Good matches
3 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.Frontosa Cichlid
Cyphotilapia frontosa
100 gal min · 14" adult · Semi-aggressive
Similar Lake Tanganyika origin and size; both prefer rocky habitats and can coexist if tank is large enough
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
20 gal min · 5" adult · Peaceful
Nocturnal bottom-dweller that avoids predation; helps maintain tank cleanliness without competing for space
Nerite Snail
Neritina natalensis
5 gal min · 1" adult · Peaceful
Hardy algae grazer too large to be preyed upon; provides cleanup without interfering with cichlid behavior
Use caution
2 · Works in the right setup; read the note before combining.Synodontis Multipunctatus
Synodontis multipunctatus
55 gal min · 11" adult · Semi-aggressive
Tanganyikan catfish; nocturnal and can hide effectively, but may compete for cave spaces
Calvus Cichlid
Altolamprologus calvus
30 gal min · 5" adult · Semi-aggressive
Similar Tanganyikan predator; only compatible in very large tanks with multiple rocky territories
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.