Can Ghost Shrimp and Peacock Bass Temensis Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Ghost Shrimp and Peacock Bass Temensis are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Ghost Shrimp

Palaemonetes paludosus

Peacock Bass Temensis

Cichla temensis

🐠Family Group
Ghost Shrimp
Invertebrates
Peacock Bass Temensis
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Ghost Shrimp
Peaceful (1/10)
Peacock Bass Temensis
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Ghost Shrimp
18–28°C
Peacock Bass Temensis
26–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Ghost Shrimp
6.5–8
Peacock Bass Temensis
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Ghost Shrimp
5–15
Peacock Bass Temensis
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Ghost Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Peacock Bass Temensis
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Ghost Shrimp
Low
Peacock Bass Temensis
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 3000 L
Ghost Shrimp
19 L
Peacock Bass Temensis
3000 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Ghost Shrimp
Bottom
Peacock Bass Temensis
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Ghost Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Peacock Bass Temensis
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Generally Aggressive
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Ghost Shrimp and Peacock Bass Temensis?

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.

Ghost Shrimp
Peacock Bass Temensis
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Ghost Shrimp is a peaceful species (1/10), while Peacock Bass Temensis is semi-aggressive (7/10). This notable difference means Peacock Bass Temensis may occasionally assert dominance over Ghost Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Ghost Shrimp and Peacock Bass Temensis increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

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

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Worth noting: Peacock Bass Temensis is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 26°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Ghost Shrimp and Peacock Bass Temensis together, plan for an aquarium of at least 3000 litres with a minimum length of 300 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 - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Ghost Shrimp prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Peacock Bass Temensis needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Ghost Shrimp and Peacock Bass Temensis 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ghost Shrimp and Peacock Bass Temensis live together?

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

What size tank do Ghost Shrimp and Peacock Bass Temensis need?

A minimum of 3000 litres (tank length at least 300 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 Ghost Shrimp and Peacock Bass Temensis together?

Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 28°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Ghost Shrimp or Peacock Bass Temensis aggressive?

Ghost Shrimp is peaceful (1/10) and Peacock Bass Temensis is semi-aggressive (7/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Ghost Shrimp and Peacock Bass Temensis need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 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 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
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