Compatibility Overview
Peacock Cichlid and Silver Arowana 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 | Peacock Cichlid | Silver Arowana | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–81°F | 72–86°F | ✅ 75–81°F |
| pH Range | 7.5–8.5 | 6.0–7.5 | ⚠️ 7.5–7.5 (narrow) |
| Temperament | aggressive | semi | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 3.1 in | 19.7 in | ❌ 6× difference |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
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.
→ Full Peacock Cichlid care guide
Silver Arowana — Aquarium species
The Silver Arowana is a majestic and unique fish known for its striking appearance and size. It is a large, predatory fish that requires a spacious tank and specific water conditions. While not a community fish, it can be kept with compatible, larger species. They are sensitive to stress and require careful water quality management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Peacock Cichlid live with Silver Arowana?
Generally not recommended. Peacock Cichlid and Silver Arowana 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 Peacock Cichlid and Silver Arowana together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Peacock Cichlid and Silver Arowana together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Peacock Cichlid and Silver Arowana?
75–81°F
Is a Peacock Cichlid aggressive toward a Silver Arowana?
Peacock Cichlid is aggressive and Silver Arowana is semi. 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 | 100/100 |
| Ph | 0/100 |
| Temperament | 25/100 |
| Adult Size | 8/100 |
| 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 | 528 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 750 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 950 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |