Can African Clawed Frog and Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping African Clawed Frog and Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 200 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

African Clawed Frog

Xenopus laevis

Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)

Aulonocara sp.

🐠Family Group
African Clawed Frog
Other
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Cichlids - African
Temperament
African Clawed Frog
Aggressive (8/10)
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
16–24Β°C
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
24–28Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
6.5–8
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
5–20
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
10–25
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
Freshwater Only
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
Low
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
African Clawed Frog
75 L
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
African Clawed Frog
BottomMiddleTop
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
African Clawed Frog
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterSnail EaterFry PredatorJumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerPlant DestroyerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle African Clawed Frog and Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

African Clawed Frog
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

African Clawed Frog is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means African Clawed Frog may occasionally assert dominance over Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara).

African Clawed Frog and Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: African Clawed Frog is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both African Clawed Frog and Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 24Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.8 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house African Clawed Frog and Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots β€” caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters β€” so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both African Clawed Frog and Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara).

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can African Clawed Frog and Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 200 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do African Clawed Frog and Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) need?

A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 120 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for African Clawed Frog and Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 24Β°C. A target of around 24.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are African Clawed Frog or Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) aggressive?

African Clawed Frog is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do African Clawed Frog and Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) need?

Both species overlap in the 7.8–8 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding dΓ©cor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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