Can Fort Maguire Peacock and Threadfin Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Fort Maguire Peacock and Threadfin Rainbowfish 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

Fort Maguire Peacock

Aulonocara hansbaenschi

Threadfin Rainbowfish

Iriatherina werneri

🐠Family Group
Fort Maguire Peacock
Cichlids - African
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Fort Maguire Peacock
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Fort Maguire Peacock
24–28°C
Threadfin Rainbowfish
23–29°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Fort Maguire Peacock
7.8–8.6
Threadfin Rainbowfish
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Fort Maguire Peacock
10–25
Threadfin Rainbowfish
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Fort Maguire Peacock
Freshwater Only
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Fort Maguire Peacock
Moderate
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 208 L
Fort Maguire Peacock
208 L
Threadfin Rainbowfish
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Fort Maguire Peacock
BottomMiddle
Threadfin Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Fort Maguire Peacock
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry Predator
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Fort Maguire Peacock and Threadfin Rainbowfish?

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.

Fort Maguire Peacock
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Fort Maguire Peacock is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Threadfin Rainbowfish is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Fort Maguire Peacock may occasionally assert dominance over Threadfin Rainbowfish.

Fort Maguire Peacock and Threadfin Rainbowfish 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.

Worth noting: Threadfin Rainbowfish 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 Fort Maguire Peacock (7.8–8.6) and Threadfin Rainbowfish (5.5–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Fort Maguire Peacock and Threadfin Rainbowfish 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), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. 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

Fort Maguire Peacock and Threadfin Rainbowfish 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 Fort Maguire Peacock and Threadfin Rainbowfish.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Fort Maguire Peacock and Threadfin Rainbowfish live together?

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

What size tank do Fort Maguire Peacock and Threadfin Rainbowfish 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 Fort Maguire Peacock and Threadfin Rainbowfish 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 Fort Maguire Peacock or Threadfin Rainbowfish aggressive?

Fort Maguire Peacock is moderately assertive (6/10) and Threadfin Rainbowfish is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Fort Maguire Peacock and Threadfin Rainbowfish need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Fort Maguire Peacock prefers 7.8–8.6, while Threadfin Rainbowfish needs 5.5–7.5. 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?
Contact the editorial team

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