Compatibility Overview
Pajama Cardinalfish 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 | Pajama Cardinalfish | Peacock Cichlid | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 75–81°F | ✅ 75–81°F |
| pH Range | 8.0–8.3 | 7.5–8.5 | ⚠️ 8.0–8.3 (narrow) |
| Temperament | semi | aggressive | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 1.6 in | 3.1 in | ✅ Similar |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 29 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Pajama Cardinalfish — Aquarium species
The Pajama Cardinalfish is a popular, beginner-friendly fish that can add a splash of color to your aquarium. They are generally peaceful and can be kept in a community tank. With moderate activity levels and a preference for undisturbed swimming spaces, they require a well-maintained water quality and a spacious tank.
→ Full Pajama Cardinalfish 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 Pajama Cardinalfish live with Peacock Cichlid?
Generally not recommended. Pajama Cardinalfish 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 Pajama Cardinalfish and Peacock Cichlid together?
A minimum of 29 gallons is recommended for keeping Pajama Cardinalfish and Peacock Cichlid together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Pajama Cardinalfish and Peacock Cichlid?
75–81°F
Is a Pajama Cardinalfish aggressive toward a Peacock Cichlid?
Pajama Cardinalfish is semi and Peacock Cichlid is aggressive. These animals require different water types and cannot share one aquarium.
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 | 100/100 |
| Ph | 100/100 |
| Temperament | 25/100 |
| Adult Size | 100/100 |
| 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 | 29 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 40 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 55 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |