Can apistogramma live with peacock cichlids?
Verdict
No
No. Apistogramma and peacock cichlids should not share a tank. Different water: apistogramma want pH 5–7, peacock cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6.
What to watch
- Deal breakerDifferent water: apistogramma want pH 5–7, peacock cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6.
What works
- Both are fine at 76–82°F.
- They use different parts of the tank: apistogramma the bottom, peacock cichlids the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Apistogramma | Peacock cichlid | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–84 °F | 76–82 °F |
| pH | 5–7 | 7.8–8.6 |
| Adult size | 3.0 in | 6.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 20 gal | 55 gal |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Semi-aggressive |
| Swims at | Bottom | Middle |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Groups of 4+ |
| Diet | Carnivore | Carnivore |
Better tank mates for apistogramma
Better tank mates for peacock cichlids
MollyYes
Electric yellow cichlidYes
Firemouth cichlidYes
Blue gouramiYes
OscarYes
Chinese algae eaterYes
All peacock cichlid tank mates
Questions
Can apistogramma live with peacock cichlids?
No. Apistogramma and peacock cichlids should not share a tank. Different water: apistogramma want pH 5–7, peacock cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6.
What temperature suits both apistogramma and peacock cichlids?
76–82 °F. Apistogramma need 75–84 °F, peacock cichlids need 76–82 °F.
What size tank do apistogramma and peacock cichlids need together?
At least 55 gal, set by the peacock cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.