Can Bearded Cory and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid Live Together?
Bearded Cory and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap and conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Bearded Cory and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid?
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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Bearded Cory is a peaceful species (2/10), while Butterfly Peacock Cichlid is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Butterfly Peacock Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Bearded Cory.
Bearded Cory and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.
Water Parameters
There is no temperature overlap between Bearded Cory (16–23°C) and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid (24–28°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.
The pH requirements of Bearded Cory (6–7.4) and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Bearded Cory and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 208 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.
Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice
Bearded Cory and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Bearded Cory and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bearded Cory and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Bearded Cory and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid need?
A minimum of 208 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 Bearded Cory and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid together?
Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Bearded Cory requires 16–23°C, while Butterfly Peacock Cichlid needs 24–28°C.
Are Bearded Cory or Butterfly Peacock Cichlid aggressive?
Bearded Cory is peaceful (2/10) and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Bearded Cory and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Bearded Cory prefers 6–7.4, while Butterfly Peacock Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Butterfly Peacock Cichlid's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Butterfly Peacock Cichlid space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.
Shared setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 3, 2026
- Last updated
- May 3, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
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