Can Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) and Peacock Bass Temensis Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) and Peacock Bass Temensis 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

Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)

Neolamprologus leleupi

Peacock Bass Temensis

Cichla temensis

🐠Family Group
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
Cichlids - African
Peacock Bass Temensis
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
Aggressive (7/10)
Peacock Bass Temensis
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
24–28°C
Peacock Bass Temensis
26–30°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
8–9
Peacock Bass Temensis
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
10–25
Peacock Bass Temensis
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
Freshwater Only
Peacock Bass Temensis
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
Moderate
Peacock Bass Temensis
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 3000 L
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
110 L
Peacock Bass Temensis
3000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
MiddleBottom
Peacock Bass Temensis
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Peacock Bass Temensis
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Generally Aggressive
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) 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.

Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
Peacock Bass Temensis
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) and Peacock Bass Temensis are semi-aggressive species with an aggression score of 7/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Both Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) and Peacock Bass Temensis are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) and Peacock Bass Temensis 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: 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.

The pH requirements of Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) (8–9) and Peacock Bass Temensis (5.5–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) 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: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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

Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) 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 Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) 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 Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) 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 Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) 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 Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) or Peacock Bass Temensis aggressive?

Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) is semi-aggressive (7/10) and Peacock Bass Temensis is semi-aggressive (7/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) and Peacock Bass Temensis need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) prefers 8–9, while Peacock Bass Temensis needs 5.5–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi) space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

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?
Contact the editorial team

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