Can Maison Reef Peacock and Red Tupfel Shrimp Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Maison Reef Peacock and Red Tupfel Shrimp 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

Maison Reef Peacock

Aulonocara stuartgranti "Maison Reef"

Red Tupfel Shrimp

Caridina serrata

🐠Family Group
Maison Reef Peacock
Cichlids - African
Red Tupfel Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Maison Reef Peacock
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Red Tupfel Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Maison Reef Peacock
24–28°C
Red Tupfel Shrimp
18–25°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Maison Reef Peacock
7.8–8.6
Red Tupfel Shrimp
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Maison Reef Peacock
10–25
Red Tupfel Shrimp
4–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Maison Reef Peacock
Freshwater Only
Red Tupfel Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Maison Reef Peacock
Moderate
Red Tupfel Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 208 L
Maison Reef Peacock
208 L
Red Tupfel Shrimp
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Maison Reef Peacock
MiddleBottom
Red Tupfel Shrimp
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Maison Reef Peacock
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Red Tupfel Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Maison Reef Peacock and Red Tupfel Shrimp?

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.

Maison Reef Peacock
Red Tupfel Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Maison Reef Peacock is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Red Tupfel Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Maison Reef Peacock may occasionally assert dominance over Red Tupfel Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Maison Reef Peacock and Red Tupfel Shrimp increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Maison Reef Peacock and Red Tupfel Shrimp both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) 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 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Maison Reef Peacock (7.8–8.6) and Red Tupfel Shrimp (6–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

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

Tank Setup

To house Maison Reef Peacock and Red Tupfel Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 208 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.

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), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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

Maison Reef Peacock and Red Tupfel Shrimp 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Maison Reef Peacock and Red Tupfel Shrimp.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Maison Reef Peacock and Red Tupfel Shrimp live together?

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

What size tank do Maison Reef Peacock and Red Tupfel Shrimp need?

A minimum of 208 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 Maison Reef Peacock and Red Tupfel Shrimp together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 25°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Maison Reef Peacock or Red Tupfel Shrimp aggressive?

Maison Reef Peacock is moderately assertive (6/10) and Red Tupfel Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Maison Reef Peacock and Red Tupfel Shrimp need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Maison Reef Peacock prefers 7.8–8.6, while Red Tupfel Shrimp needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Maison Reef Peacock's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Maison Reef Peacock 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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