Rusty Cichlid tank mates
Iodotropheus sprengerae
5 rated pairings from the Rusty Cichlid care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Rusty Cichlid needs at least 20 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
4 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Similar algae-eating habits and peaceful temperament
Corydoras Duplicareus
Corydoras duplicareus
15 gal min · 2.2" adult · Peaceful
Bottom dweller that doesn't compete for food or territory
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
10 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Schooling fish that remains in middle water column
Good matches
1 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.