Can Clown Killifish and Fort Maguire Peacock Live Together?

Clown Killifish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Fort Maguire Peacock is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Fort Maguire Peacock may occasionally assert dominance over Clown Killifish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Clown Killifish prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Fort Maguire Peacock occupies the Bottom (Substrate) and Middle (Open Water) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Clown Killifish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Clown Killifish (5–7) and Fort Maguire Peacock (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Clown Killifish needs 1–8 dGH while Fort Maguire Peacock requires 10–25 dGH.

To house Clown Killifish 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 - Floating, Plants - Densely covered, 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.

Clown Killifish 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.