Can Fort Maguire Peacock and Yellow Perch Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Fort Maguire Peacock and Yellow Perch together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 280 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Fort Maguire Peacock

Aulonocara hansbaenschi

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

🐠Family Group
Fort Maguire Peacock
Cichlids - African
Yellow Perch
Other
Temperament
Fort Maguire Peacock
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Yellow Perch
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Fort Maguire Peacock
24–28°C
Yellow Perch
10–24°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Fort Maguire Peacock
7.8–8.6
Yellow Perch
6.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Fort Maguire Peacock
10–25
Yellow Perch
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Fort Maguire Peacock
Freshwater Only
Yellow Perch
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Fort Maguire Peacock
Moderate
Yellow Perch
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 280 L
Fort Maguire Peacock
208 L
Yellow Perch
280 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Fort Maguire Peacock
BottomMiddle
Yellow Perch
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Fort Maguire Peacock
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry Predator
Yellow Perch
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Fort Maguire Peacock and Yellow Perch?

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
Yellow Perch
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Behaviour & Temperament

Both Fort Maguire Peacock and Yellow Perch 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.

Fort Maguire Peacock and Yellow Perch 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.8 and 8.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Fort Maguire Peacock and Yellow Perch together, plan for an aquarium of at least 280 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.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Plants - Densely covered. 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 Needs Extra Planning in Practice

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Fort Maguire Peacock and Yellow Perch need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Fort Maguire Peacock and Yellow Perch.

Show 1 more tank size

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Fort Maguire Peacock and Yellow Perch live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 280 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Fort Maguire Peacock and Yellow Perch need?

A minimum of 280 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 Yellow Perch together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 24°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Fort Maguire Peacock or Yellow Perch aggressive?

Fort Maguire Peacock is moderately assertive (6/10) and Yellow Perch is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Fort Maguire Peacock and Yellow Perch need?

Both species overlap in the 7.8–8.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

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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