Compatibility Overview
Cherry Shrimp and Peacock Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
| Factor | Cherry Shrimp | Peacock Cichlid | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–80°F | 75–81°F | ✅ 75–80°F |
| pH Range | 6.5–8.0 | 7.5–8.5 | ⚠️ 7.5–8.0 (narrow) |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 0.8 in | 3.1 in | ⚠️ 3.9× difference |
| Min. Group | 10+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 55 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Cherry Shrimp — Neocaridina davidi
Bright red freshwater shrimp that are excellent algae cleaners. Very small — at risk from any fish large enough to eat them.
→ Full Cherry Shrimp care guide
Peacock Cichlid — Aquarium species
The Peacock Cichlid, Aulonocara nyassae, is a stunning fish with vibrant blue and yellow colors. These fish are known for their aggression and require a mature and well-maintained tank. They are best kept in pairs or in a species-specific tank. Careful attention must be given to water parameters and tank setup to ensure their health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cherry Shrimp live with Peacock Cichlid?
Generally not recommended. Cherry Shrimp and Peacock Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
What tank size do I need for Cherry Shrimp and Peacock Cichlid together?
A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for keeping Cherry Shrimp and Peacock Cichlid together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Cherry Shrimp and Peacock Cichlid?
75–80°F
Is a Cherry Shrimp aggressive toward a Peacock Cichlid?
Cherry Shrimp is peaceful and Peacock Cichlid is aggressive. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Compatibility score breakdown
The overall score is weighted across water chemistry, behavior, adult size, swimming zone, and social needs. A score is a planning aid—not a guarantee for individual fish.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 83/100 |
| Ph | 50/100 |
| Temperament | 30/100 |
| Adult Size | 38/100 |
| Swim Zone | 68/100 |
| Social Needs | 92/100 |
Tank size scenarios
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 55 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 75 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 125 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |