Can peacock cichlids live with arowanas?
Verdict
No
No. Peacock cichlids and arowanas should not share a tank. Different water: peacock cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6, arowanas want pH 6–7.
What to watch
- Deal breakerDifferent water: peacock cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6, arowanas want pH 6–7.
- Deal breakerAn adult silver arowana eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 6 inches peacock cichlids do.
- Deal breakerArowanas are aggressive and much bigger than peacock cichlids.
- Watch outArowanas grow to 36 inches and need 250 gallons, far more than a tank set up for peacock cichlids.
What works
- Both are fine at 76–82°F.
- They use different parts of the tank: peacock cichlids the mid, arowanas the top.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Peacock cichlid | Silver arowana | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82 °F | 75–86 °F |
| pH | 7.8–8.6 | 6–7 |
| Adult size | 6.0 in | 36.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gal | 250 gal |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Aggressive |
| Swims at | Middle | Top |
| Group | Groups of 4+ | One per tank |
| Diet | Carnivore | Carnivore |
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 peacock cichlids live with arowanas?
No. Peacock cichlids and arowanas should not share a tank. Different water: peacock cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6, arowanas want pH 6–7.
What temperature suits both peacock cichlids and arowanas?
76–82 °F. Peacock cichlids need 76–82 °F, arowanas need 75–86 °F.
What size tank do peacock cichlids and arowanas need together?
At least 250 gal, set by the silver arowana. Add space for each extra fish.