Can Flagtail Prochilodus and Orange Peacock Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Flagtail Prochilodus and Orange 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

Flagtail Prochilodus

Semaprochilodus insignis

Orange Peacock

Aulonocara stuartgranti maleri

🐠Family Group
Flagtail Prochilodus
Characins
Orange Peacock
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Flagtail Prochilodus
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Orange Peacock
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Flagtail Prochilodus
23–28°C
Orange Peacock
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Flagtail Prochilodus
5.5–7.5
Orange Peacock
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Flagtail Prochilodus
2–15
Orange Peacock
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Flagtail Prochilodus
Freshwater Only
Orange Peacock
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Flagtail Prochilodus
High
Orange Peacock
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 500 L
Flagtail Prochilodus
500 L
Orange Peacock
208 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Flagtail Prochilodus
MiddleBottom
Orange Peacock
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Flagtail Prochilodus
Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Orange Peacock
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Flagtail Prochilodus and Orange 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.

Flagtail Prochilodus
Orange Peacock
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Flagtail Prochilodus and Orange Peacock are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Flagtail Prochilodus and Orange Peacock 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.

Worth noting: Flagtail Prochilodus 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 Flagtail Prochilodus (5.5–7.5) and Orange Peacock (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Flagtail Prochilodus and Orange Peacock together, plan for an aquarium of at least 500 litres with a minimum length of 150 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: Established Algae (Otocinclus), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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

Flagtail Prochilodus and Orange 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 Flagtail Prochilodus and Orange Peacock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Flagtail Prochilodus and Orange Peacock live together?

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

What size tank do Flagtail Prochilodus and Orange Peacock need?

A minimum of 500 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Flagtail Prochilodus and Orange 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 Flagtail Prochilodus or Orange Peacock aggressive?

Flagtail Prochilodus is moderately assertive (6/10) and Orange Peacock is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Flagtail Prochilodus and Orange Peacock need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Flagtail Prochilodus prefers 5.5–7.5, while Orange 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 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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