Can discus live with peacock cichlids?
Verdict
No
No. Discus and peacock cichlids should not share a tank. Different water: discus want pH 5.5–7, peacock cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6.
What to watch
- Deal breakerDifferent water: discus want pH 5.5–7, peacock cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6.
- Watch outThey only share 82°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Discus | Peacock cichlid | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 82–88 °F | 76–82 °F |
| pH | 5.5–7 | 7.8–8.6 |
| Adult size | 6.0 in | 6.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gal | 55 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Swims at | Middle | Middle |
| Group | Groups of 5+ | Groups of 4+ |
| Diet | Carnivore | Carnivore |
Better tank mates for discus
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 discus live with peacock cichlids?
No. Discus and peacock cichlids should not share a tank. Different water: discus want pH 5.5–7, peacock cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6.
What temperature suits both discus and peacock cichlids?
82–82 °F. Discus need 82–88 °F, peacock cichlids need 76–82 °F.
What size tank do discus and peacock cichlids need together?
At least 55 gal, set by the discus. Add space for each extra fish.