Can Discus live with Endler's Livebearer?
Caution — with care
Why
- Almost no shared temperature: Discus wants 82–88°F and Endler's Livebearer wants 72–82°F, so only 82°F suits both — too fine a margin to actually hold.
- No overlapping water hardness: Discus wants 1–8 dGH but Endler's Livebearer wants 10–20 dGH.
- Very different sizes (Discus 8" vs Endler's Livebearer 1.2") — these two need different tanks, and the smaller fish will be out-competed at feeding time.
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 7–7.
Sweet spot: both do well at 82–82°F and pH 7–7 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Discus | Endler's Livebearer | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 82–88°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 5.5–7 | 7–8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 1–8 dGH | 10–20 dGH |
| Adult size | 8" | 1.2" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 55 gal | 10 gal |
Together, plan on at least 55 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: An adjustable heater · GH remineraliser · A larger tank
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