Compatibility Overview
Discus and Electric Yellow Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
| Factor | Discus | Electric Yellow Cichlid | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 82–88°F | 75–82°F | ⚠️ 82–82°F (narrow) |
| pH Range | 5.0–7.0 | 7.5–8.5 | ❌ No overlap |
| Temperament | semi | aggressive | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 8 in | 2.4 in | ⚠️ 3.3× difference |
| Min. Group | 5+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Discus — Symphysodon spp.
The 'king of the aquarium' — beautiful but demanding. Requires very warm, soft, acidic water that excludes most community fish.
Electric Yellow Cichlid — Aquarium species
The Electric Yellow Cichlid is a popular freshwater species known for its striking yellow coloration and moderate aggression. It requires a spacious tank with hiding spots and is best kept with peaceful tankmates. This species is suitable for beginner aquarists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Discus live with Electric Yellow Cichlid?
Generally not recommended. Discus and Electric Yellow Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
What tank size do I need for Discus and Electric Yellow Cichlid together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Discus and Electric Yellow Cichlid together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Discus and Electric Yellow Cichlid?
82–82°F (narrow)
Is a Discus aggressive toward a Electric Yellow Cichlid?
Discus is semi and Electric Yellow Cichlid is aggressive. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Compatibility score breakdown
The overall score is weighted across water chemistry, behavior, adult size, swimming zone, and social needs. A score is a planning aid—not a guarantee for individual fish.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 0/100 |
| Ph | 0/100 |
| Temperament | 25/100 |
| Adult Size | 38/100 |
| Swim Zone | 68/100 |
| Social Needs | 92/100 |
Tank size scenarios
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 100 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 150 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 220 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |