Compatibility Overview
Peacock Cichlid and Weather Loach 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 | Weather Loach | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–81°F | 59–72°F | ❌ No overlap |
| pH Range | 7.5–8.5 | 6.5–7.5 | ⚠️ 7.5–7.5 (narrow) |
| Temperament | aggressive | aggressive | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 3.1 in | 3.9 in | ✅ Similar |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 40 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
Weather Loach — Aquarium species
The Weather Loach, also known as the Weather Fish, is a popular addition to freshwater aquariums due to its peaceful nature and intriguing behavior. It has a slender, eel-like body with a translucent appearance and dark spots. These loaches are active and enjoy exploring their tank, making them a moderate activity level fish. They do not school and are gener
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Peacock Cichlid live with Weather Loach?
Generally not recommended. Peacock Cichlid and Weather Loach 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 Weather Loach together?
A minimum of 40 gallons is recommended for keeping Peacock Cichlid and Weather Loach together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Peacock Cichlid and Weather Loach?
No overlap
Is a Peacock Cichlid aggressive toward a Weather Loach?
Peacock Cichlid is aggressive and Weather Loach is aggressive. Their preferred temperature ranges have little or no safe overlap.
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 | 0/100 |
| Ph | 0/100 |
| Temperament | 12/100 |
| Adult Size | 100/100 |
| Swim Zone | 92/100 |
| 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 | 40 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 55 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 75 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |