Can Guppy and Peacock Bass Temensis Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Guppy and Peacock Bass Temensis together is possible but requires caution due to differing aggression levels and mismatched flow preferences. Provide a spacious tank of at least 3000 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Guppy

Poecilia reticulata

Peacock Bass Temensis

Cichla temensis

🐠Family Group
Guppy
Livebearers
Peacock Bass Temensis
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Guppy
Peaceful (1/10)
Peacock Bass Temensis
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Guppy
22–28°C
Peacock Bass Temensis
26–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Guppy
7–8.5
Peacock Bass Temensis
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Guppy
8–30
Peacock Bass Temensis
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Guppy
Brackish Tolerant
Peacock Bass Temensis
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Guppy
Low
Peacock Bass Temensis
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 3000 L
Guppy
38 L
Peacock Bass Temensis
3000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Guppy
TopMiddle
Peacock Bass Temensis
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Guppy
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator
Peacock Bass Temensis
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Generally Aggressive
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Guppy 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.

Guppy
Peacock Bass Temensis
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Behaviour & Temperament

Guppy 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 Guppy.

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

Guppy and Peacock Bass Temensis both frequent the Top (Surface) 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.

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

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

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 7 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 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Guppy 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.

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: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Guppy 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 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. Guppy and Peacock Bass Temensis 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Guppy and Peacock Bass Temensis live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 3000 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Guppy 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 Guppy 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 Guppy or Peacock Bass Temensis aggressive?

Guppy 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 Guppy and Peacock Bass Temensis need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 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
Issues or corrections?
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