Can Hongsloi Apistogramma and Peacock Gudgeon Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Hongsloi Apistogramma and Peacock Gudgeon together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 60 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Hongsloi Apistogramma

Apistogramma hongsloi

Peacock Gudgeon

Tateurndina ocellicauda

🐠Family Group
Hongsloi Apistogramma
Cichlids - South American
Peacock Gudgeon
Gobies & Gudgeons
Temperament
Hongsloi Apistogramma
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Peacock Gudgeon
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Hongsloi Apistogramma
24–29Β°C
Peacock Gudgeon
22–26Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Hongsloi Apistogramma
5.5–7
Peacock Gudgeon
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Hongsloi Apistogramma
1–8
Peacock Gudgeon
5–10
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Hongsloi Apistogramma
Freshwater Only
Peacock Gudgeon
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Hongsloi Apistogramma
Low
Peacock Gudgeon
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 60 L
Hongsloi Apistogramma
60 L
Peacock Gudgeon
40 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Hongsloi Apistogramma
BottomMiddle
Peacock Gudgeon
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Hongsloi Apistogramma
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesFry PredatorShrimp EaterDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Peacock Gudgeon
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Hongsloi Apistogramma and Peacock Gudgeon?

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.

Hongsloi Apistogramma
Peacock Gudgeon
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Hongsloi Apistogramma is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Peacock Gudgeon is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Hongsloi Apistogramma may occasionally assert dominance over Peacock Gudgeon.

Hongsloi Apistogramma and Peacock Gudgeon 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Hongsloi Apistogramma and Peacock Gudgeon to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 26Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Hongsloi Apistogramma and Peacock Gudgeon together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 litres with a minimum length of 60 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 β€” caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters β€” so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Hongsloi Apistogramma and Peacock Gudgeon.

Show 19 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Hongsloi Apistogramma is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Peacock Gudgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hongsloi Apistogramma and Peacock Gudgeon live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 60 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Hongsloi Apistogramma and Peacock Gudgeon need?

A minimum of 60 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Hongsloi Apistogramma and Peacock Gudgeon together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 26Β°C. A target of around 25.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Hongsloi Apistogramma or Peacock Gudgeon aggressive?

Hongsloi Apistogramma is moderately assertive (5/10) and Peacock Gudgeon is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Hongsloi Apistogramma and Peacock Gudgeon need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Hongsloi Apistogramma's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Hongsloi Apistogramma space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding dΓ©cor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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