Can Maison Reef Peacock and Tiger Shovelnose Catfish Live Together?
Maison Reef Peacock and Tiger Shovelnose Catfish 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
Can your tank handle Maison Reef Peacock and Tiger Shovelnose Catfish?
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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Both Maison Reef Peacock and Tiger Shovelnose Catfish are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.
Maison Reef Peacock and Tiger Shovelnose Catfish both frequent the 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.
Worth noting: Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Maison Reef Peacock (7.8–8.6) and Tiger Shovelnose Catfish (6–7.5) 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 Maison Reef Peacock and Tiger Shovelnose Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 3800 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
Maison Reef Peacock and Tiger Shovelnose Catfish 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 Maison Reef Peacock and Tiger Shovelnose Catfish 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 Tiger Shovelnose Catfish need?
A minimum of 3800 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 Maison Reef Peacock and Tiger Shovelnose Catfish together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Maison Reef Peacock or Tiger Shovelnose Catfish aggressive?
Maison Reef Peacock is moderately assertive (6/10) and Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Maison Reef Peacock and Tiger Shovelnose Catfish need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Maison Reef Peacock prefers 7.8–8.6, while Tiger Shovelnose Catfish 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.
Does Tiger Shovelnose Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?
Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Tiger Shovelnose Catfish during evening hours.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
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
Related Comparisons
Maison Reef Peacock & Afra Cichlid
·
Maison Reef Peacock & African Jewel Cichlid
·
Maison Reef Peacock & Altolamprologus Calvus
·
Maison Reef Peacock & Altolamprologus Compressiceps
·
Maison Reef Peacock & Aurora Yellow Mbuna
·
Maison Reef Peacock & Black Diamond Cichlid
·
Tiger Shovelnose Catfish & Achara Catfish
·
Tiger Shovelnose Catfish & Asian Upside Down Catfish
·
Tiger Shovelnose Catfish & Brown Bullhead Catfish
·
Tiger Shovelnose Catfish & Bullseye Catfish
·
Tiger Shovelnose Catfish & Candy Striped Pleco (L015)
·
Tiger Shovelnose Catfish & Channel Catfish
·