Compatibility brief
Can Checkerboard cichlid live with Tinfoil barb?
Risky. This mix is commonly discouraged for typical setups.
Checkerboard cichlid + Tinfoil barb: Tinfoil barb may eat Checkerboard cichlid. Tinfoil barb (35cm) is predatory and Checkerboard cichlid (5cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe. Real tanks add variables Fishori cannot model; treat this as a high-risk read, not certainty.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: medium
Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.
500L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 500L (larger active fish often want more length).
Tinfoil barb (35cm adult) may treat small Checkerboard cichlid (~5cm) as food once grown — plan adult sizes, not shop sizes.
Assessment details
Compatible temperaments
Both Checkerboard cichlid and Tinfoil barb share a peaceful temperament.
Tinfoil barb may eat Checkerboard cichlid
Top issueTinfoil barb (35cm) is predatory and Checkerboard cichlid (5cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
Incompatible pH requirements
Checkerboard cichlid prefers pH 3.5–5.5 and Tinfoil barb prefers pH 6–7.5. Their ranges do not overlap.
“Tinfoil barb (35cm) is predatory and Checkerboard cichlid…”
Tinfoil barb may eat Checkerboard cichlid
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Tinfoil barb should be kept in a group of at least 5 for best health and behaviour.
Try instead
- →Tinfoil barb should be kept in a group of at least 5 for best health and behaviour.
- →Build a species-only tank for the larger fish, or restock with fish too large to be eaten at adult sizes.
- Seriously Fish. Dicrossus filamentosus
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Dicrossus filamentosus
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Dicrossus filamentosus
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
- Seriously Fish. Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with Checkerboard cichlid + Tinfoil barb
Plan further
Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.
Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.
Profile data confidence: high. Based on multiple reputable aquarium care sources with strong agreement.