Livestock compatible with African Tiger Lotus
Nymphaea zenkeri
6 rated pairings from the African Tiger Lotus care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why.
Excellent matches
4 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful algae-eaters that won't damage plant leaves and help maintain tank cleanliness
Ramshorn Snail
Planorbarius corneus
5 gal min · 0.75" adult · Peaceful
Gentle snails that consume algae without harming plant tissue; beneficial for nutrient cycling
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Excellent companion plant with similar low-light tolerance and slow growth rate; complements the lotus aesthetically
Java Fern
Microsorum pteropus
Hardy plant that thrives in similar conditions; provides additional cover and visual interest without competing aggressively
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful schooling fish that won't uproot or damage the lily; add visual contrast
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
20 gal min · 3" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful dwarf cichlid that won't uproot plants; adds color and interesting behavior without aggression toward vegetation
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.