Smiling Cichlid tank mates
Laetacara curviceps
5 rated pairings from the Smiling Cichlid care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Smiling Cichlid needs at least 20 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
3 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful bottom-dweller with similar water requirements; won't compete for food or space
Emerald Dwarf Rasbora
Danio erythromicron
10 gal min · 1" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy mid-water zones and share soft, acidic water preferences
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Hardy plant that won't be uprooted; provides shelter and natural aesthetic for the cichlid
Good matches
1 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Use caution
1 · Works in the right setup; read the note before combining.
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.