Top 10 Peacock Cichlid Tank Mates
Peacock cichlids make a colorful display with other peacocks and well-matched haps. Start with swimming room, a sandy bottom, and rockwork that breaks up sightlines. Match the fish for size and temperament, then get to know the personalities in your own tank.
For a display built around male color, we recommend an all-male group when breeding is not your goal. We also like starting with young fish and growing them up together. Breeding groups are a different project, with their own sex ratios. Our fish-room FAQ explains how we build and mix these groups.
Consider pairing these top 10 Peacock Cichlid tank mates in your aquarium:
1. Azureus Cichlid
Azureus Cichlid adds metallic blue to a peacock-and-hap display. Males typically reach about 7 inches, with females somewhat smaller and less colorful. Give the group open swimming space as it grows.
2. Chrysonotus White Blaze
Chrysonotus White Blaze brings open-water movement and a bright white blaze to a Malawi display. Give these haps generous swimming room. Peacocks, Red Empress, and Mdoka White Lips are options to consider alongside them.
3. Star Sapphire (Placidochromis phenochilus)
Star Sapphire (Placidochromis phenochilus) brings sapphire blue and pale, sparkling markings to the tank as males mature. It is a larger-growing hap, so give it room and choose tank mates of a similar size and temperament. Red Empress, White Blaze, and other suitable haps are options to consider.
4. Placidochromis johnstoni
Placidochromis johnstoni is another hap to consider for a roomy Malawi display. Leave open swimming space and choose companions by their adult size and temperament. Mdoka White Lips and Tangerine Tigers are possibilities for a suitably sized group.
5. Placidochromis electra
Placidochromis electra has a shimmering blue-green appearance. Other well-matched Malawi peacocks and suitable Synodontis are options for the same display. Leave open swimming space between the rockwork.
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6. Electric Blue Ahli
Electric Blue Ahli brings vivid blue to the display. Give it open swimming room and choose companions of a similar size as the fish grow.
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7. Botia loaches
Botia loaches add activity near the bottom. Keep the needs of the particular loach in mind, including its social group and adult size. Provide hiding places and make sure food reaches them, rather than relying on leftovers.
8. Red Tail Shark
A Red Tail Shark adds a different shape and strong black-and-red contrast. Give it a defined retreat among the rocks and room away from the other bottom dwellers. Watch how it claims that space as it matures.
9. Bushynose plecos
Bushynose plecos offer a different kind of activity around rocks and glass. Give them a shelter and suitable food of their own. They may graze algae, but they do not replace regular tank maintenance.
10. Synodontis catfish
Synodontis catfish are a familiar choice alongside African cichlids. Provide shaded retreats among the rocks and food that reaches the bottom. Check the particular species rather than treating every Synodontis as a foot-long fish.
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