Can Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid Live Together?
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and incompatible hardness ranges. 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 Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra 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
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra is a peaceful species (1/10), while Butterfly Peacock Cichlid is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Butterfly Peacock Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra.
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and 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
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra (5–7) and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
Hardness requirements are incompatible: Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra needs 1–8 dGH while Butterfly Peacock Cichlid requires 10–25 dGH.
Tank Setup
To house Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra 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: Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, 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
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra 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 Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra 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 Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra 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 Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra or Butterfly Peacock Cichlid aggressive?
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra is peaceful (1/10) 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 Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Butterfly Peacock Cichlid need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra prefers 5–7, 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
We may earn from qualifying purchases
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
Related Comparisons
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra & Rummy-Nose Tetra
·
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra & Bentos Tetra
·
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra & Black Neon Tetra
·
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra & Bleeding Heart Tetra
·
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra & Bloodfin Tetra
·
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra & Blue Emperor Tetra
·
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid & Afra Cichlid
·
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid & African Jewel Cichlid
·
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid & Altolamprologus Calvus
·
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid & Altolamprologus Compressiceps
·
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid & Aurora Yellow Mbuna
·
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid & Black Diamond Cichlid
·