Can Chili Rasbora and Fort Maguire Peacock Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Chili Rasbora and Fort Maguire Peacock are not recommended as tank mates due to 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

Chili Rasbora

Boraras brigittae

Fort Maguire Peacock

Aulonocara hansbaenschi

🐠Family Group
Chili Rasbora
Cyprinids
Fort Maguire Peacock
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Chili Rasbora
Peaceful (0/10)
Fort Maguire Peacock
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
24–28°C
Fort Maguire Peacock
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Chili Rasbora
4–7
Fort Maguire Peacock
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
1–10
Fort Maguire Peacock
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Fort Maguire Peacock
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
Low
Fort Maguire Peacock
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 208 L
Chili Rasbora
19 L
Fort Maguire Peacock
208 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Chili Rasbora
MiddleTop
Fort Maguire Peacock
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Chili Rasbora
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Fort Maguire Peacock
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Chili Rasbora and Fort Maguire Peacock?

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.

Chili Rasbora
Fort Maguire Peacock
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Behaviour & Temperament

Chili Rasbora is a peaceful species (0/10), while Fort Maguire Peacock is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Fort Maguire Peacock may occasionally assert dominance over Chili Rasbora.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Chili Rasbora and Fort Maguire Peacock increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Chili Rasbora and Fort Maguire Peacock both frequent the 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.

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 Chili Rasbora (4–7) and Fort Maguire Peacock (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

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

Tank Setup

To house Chili Rasbora and Fort Maguire Peacock 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, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Chili Rasbora and Fort Maguire Peacock 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 Chili Rasbora and Fort Maguire Peacock.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Chili Rasbora and Fort Maguire Peacock live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Chili Rasbora and Fort Maguire Peacock 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 Chili Rasbora and Fort Maguire Peacock 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 Chili Rasbora or Fort Maguire Peacock aggressive?

Chili Rasbora is peaceful (0/10) and Fort Maguire Peacock 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 Chili Rasbora and Fort Maguire Peacock need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Chili Rasbora prefers 4–7, while Fort Maguire Peacock needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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