Butterfly cichlid © Carmen Brehm
Butterfly cichlids are very sensitive. They need fairly soft, acidic water. In addition, they are susceptible to stress and restlessness in the tank. Goggly eyes, loss of color and a significantly reduced lifespan are usually the consequences.
Because tiger barbs are very lively, other fish, such as butterfly cichlids, may feel bothered.
In an aquarium, the butterfly cichlid should be the boss and cause the stress itself. The butterfly cichlid is a real mimosa itself. At least the animals that you can buy in the shop.
It is therefore not advisable to socialize butterfly cichlids with Sumatran barbs.
Butterfly cichlids can assert themselves very well against smaller tetras, eg Hyphessobrycon amandae and Axelrodia stigmatias.
However, you should be able to offer the Ramirezis, as well as the tetras, the right, very soft water.