๐Ÿ  Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Peacock Cichlid and Swordtail Live Together?

Updated September 23, 2026 ยท FishCare AI Editorial Team

โœ… Compatible โ€” Compatibility Score: 76/100
76/100 โ€” Compatible

Peacock Cichlid and Swordtail Compatibility Overview

Peacock Cichlid and Swordtail can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Peacock Cichlid is semi and Swordtail is peaceful, so give them room and cover rather than assuming they will ignore each other. A minimum 55-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

Compatibility factors for Peacock Cichlid and Swordtail
FactorPeacock CichlidSwordtailVerdict
Temperature73โ€“84ยฐF65โ€“80ยฐFโœ… 73โ€“80ยฐF
pH Range7.5โ€“9.07.0โ€“8.3โœ… 7.5โ€“8.3
Temperamentsemipeacefulโš ๏ธ Monitor
Adult Size5.1 in5 inโœ… Similar
Min. Group4+3+See below
Min. Tank Size55 gallons (for both species)โ€”

Compatibility Positives

A stable shared temperature range is available.
Temperament risk is relatively low when normal group sizes are maintained.

Caution Points

Their pH ranges overlap only partly, so aim for the shared band and keep it steady.

Species Profiles

Peacock Cichlid โ€” Aulonocara stuartgranti

Peacock Cichlid and Swordtail compatibility โ€” Peacock Cichlid

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.

โ†’ Full Peacock Cichlid care guide

Swordtail โ€” Xiphophorus hellerii

Peacock Cichlid and Swordtail compatibility โ€” Swordtail

Hardy livebearer with a distinctive elongated lower tail fin in males. Peaceful community fish that tolerate a wide temperature range.

โ†’ Full Swordtail care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Peacock Cichlid live with Swordtail?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Peacock Cichlid and Swordtail can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Peacock Cichlid is semi and Swordtail is peaceful, so give them room and cover rather than assuming they will ignore each other. A minimum 55-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

What tank size do I need for Peacock Cichlid and Swordtail together?

A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for keeping Peacock Cichlid and Swordtail together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Peacock Cichlid and Swordtail?

73โ€“80ยฐF โ€” inside Peacock Cichlid's 73โ€“84ยฐF and Swordtail's 65โ€“80ยฐF.

Is a Peacock Cichlid aggressive toward a Swordtail?

Peacock Cichlid is semi and Swordtail is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.

Related Compatibility Guides

Tank Size for Peacock Cichlid and Swordtail

Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.

ScenarioTankWhen it applies
Minimum viable64 galOnly for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring.
Recommended community90 galAdds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior.
Low-conflict setup125 galBest when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure.