The Fairy Cichlid is a small Tanganyikan cichlid with a lot of attitude. These fish will hold their own against most cichlids, though they can mix well with dissimilar types of fishes, such as active barbs, tetras, or even rainbowfishes. However, care should be taken when choosing tankmates to choose those that will be able to handle similar water conditions -- hard, alkaline water.
Many of the various rainbowfishes, particularly the Red Rainbowfish (G. incisus) and similar species will do quite well in these water conditions. Of course, other Tanganyikan cichlids can also be mixed successfully, provided the tank is large enough to avoid aggression.
This species is not a shell dweller, but instead lives and breeds in the crevices of rocks, in caves, and other structures. Tanks housing these fish should contain significant rockwork, or pieces of pipe to serve as caves. They are incredibly easy to breed.