Can Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Grant's Peacock Cichlid Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Grant's Peacock Cichlid 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

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla compressiceps

Grant's Peacock Cichlid

Aulonocara stuartgranti

🐠Family Group
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Cichlids - South American
Grant's Peacock Cichlid
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Aggressive (7/10)
Grant's Peacock Cichlid
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
24–28°C
Grant's Peacock Cichlid
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
5.5–7
Grant's Peacock Cichlid
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
1–10
Grant's Peacock Cichlid
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Grant's Peacock Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
High
Grant's Peacock Cichlid
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 208 L
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
130 L
Grant's Peacock Cichlid
208 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
BottomMiddle
Grant's Peacock Cichlid
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Grant's Peacock Cichlid
Territorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Grant's 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.

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid
Grant's Peacock Cichlid
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid is a semi-aggressive species (7/10), while Grant's Peacock Cichlid is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Grant's Peacock Cichlid.

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Grant's Peacock Cichlid 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.

Worth noting: Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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 Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid (5.5–7) and Grant's 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 10–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Grant's 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with high (river/stream) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Grant's 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 Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Grant's Peacock Cichlid.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Grant's Peacock Cichlid live together?

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

What size tank do Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Grant's 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 Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Grant's 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 Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid or Grant's Peacock Cichlid aggressive?

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid is semi-aggressive (7/10) and Grant's Peacock Cichlid is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid and Grant's Peacock Cichlid need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid prefers 5.5–7, while Grant's Peacock Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Dwarf Green Pike 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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

Related Comparisons

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid & Pike Cichlid (Xingu)

·

Possible with Caution
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid: PeacefulPike Cichlid (Xingu): Peaceful

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid & Aequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid)

·

Possible with Caution
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid: PeacefulAequidens diadema (Diadem Cichlid): Peaceful

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid & Aequidens Jenaro Herrera

·

Possible with Caution
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid: PeacefulAequidens Jenaro Herrera: Peaceful

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid & Aequidens sp. Atabapo

·

Possible with Caution
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid: PeacefulAequidens sp. Atabapo: Peaceful

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid & Andinoacara sp. Gold Saum

·

Possible with Caution
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid: PeacefulAndinoacara sp. Gold Saum: Peaceful

Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid & Apistogramma Broad-banded

·

Possible with Caution
Dwarf Green Pike Cichlid: PeacefulApistogramma Broad-banded: Peaceful

Grant's Peacock Cichlid & Afra Cichlid

·

Possible with Caution
Grant's Peacock Cichlid: PeacefulAfra Cichlid: Peaceful

Grant's Peacock Cichlid & African Jewel Cichlid

·

Not Recommended
Grant's Peacock Cichlid: PeacefulAfrican Jewel Cichlid: Peaceful

Grant's Peacock Cichlid & Altolamprologus Calvus

·

Possible with Caution
Grant's Peacock Cichlid: PeacefulAltolamprologus Calvus: Peaceful

Grant's Peacock Cichlid & Altolamprologus Compressiceps

·

Possible with Caution
Grant's Peacock Cichlid: PeacefulAltolamprologus Compressiceps: Peaceful

Grant's Peacock Cichlid & Aurora Yellow Mbuna

·

Possible with Caution
Grant's Peacock Cichlid: PeacefulAurora Yellow Mbuna: Peaceful

Grant's Peacock Cichlid & Black Diamond Cichlid

·

Possible with Caution
Grant's Peacock Cichlid: PeacefulBlack Diamond Cichlid: Peaceful