Compatibility Overview
Honey Gourami and Jewel Cichlid can potentially coexist, but the combination requires careful attention. Some combination of water parameter differences, size mismatch, or temperament issues make this pair challenging. A larger tank (minimum 29 gallons), dense planting, and close monitoring are essential.
| Factor | Honey Gourami | Jewel Cichlid | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 71–82°F | 72–79°F | ✅ 72–79°F |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.5 | 7.0–8.0 | ⚠️ 7.0–7.5 (narrow) |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 2 in | 3.1 in | ✅ Similar |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 29 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
⚠️ Caution Points
Species Profiles
Honey Gourami — Trichogaster chuna
One of the most peaceful gouramis available. Not affected by Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus. Excellent nano community fish.
→ Full Honey Gourami care guide
Jewel Cichlid — Aquarium species
The Jewel Cichlid, Hemichromis bimaculatus, is a vibrant and territorial fish popular in the aquarium trade. They require a spacious tank with hiding spots and can be moderately aggressive. With proper care, they can be a rewarding addition to the home aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Honey Gourami live with Jewel Cichlid?
With significant caution and a larger tank. Honey Gourami and Jewel Cichlid can potentially coexist, but the combination requires careful attention. Some combination of water parameter differences, size mismatch, or temperament issues make this pair challenging. A larger tank (minimum 29 gallons), dense planting, and close monitoring are essential.
What tank size do I need for Honey Gourami and Jewel Cichlid together?
A minimum of 29 gallons is recommended for keeping Honey Gourami and Jewel Cichlid together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Honey Gourami and Jewel Cichlid?
72–79°F
Is a Honey Gourami aggressive toward a Jewel Cichlid?
Honey Gourami is peaceful and Jewel Cichlid is aggressive. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
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 | 100/100 |
| Ph | 50/100 |
| Temperament | 30/100 |
| Adult Size | 100/100 |
| 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 | 29 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 40 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 55 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |