Can Maison Reef Peacock and Weeksi Bichir Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Maison Reef Peacock and Weeksi Bichir 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"

Weeksi Bichir

Polypterus weeksii

🐠Family Group
Maison Reef Peacock
Cichlids - African
Weeksi Bichir
Oddballs
Temperament
Maison Reef Peacock
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Weeksi Bichir
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Maison Reef Peacock
24–28°C
Weeksi Bichir
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Maison Reef Peacock
7.8–8.6
Weeksi Bichir
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Maison Reef Peacock
10–25
Weeksi Bichir
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Maison Reef Peacock
Freshwater Only
Weeksi Bichir
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Maison Reef Peacock
Moderate
Weeksi Bichir
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 470 L
Maison Reef Peacock
208 L
Weeksi Bichir
470 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Maison Reef Peacock
MiddleBottom
Weeksi Bichir
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Maison Reef Peacock
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Weeksi Bichir
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)NocturnalJumper (Lid Required)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Maison Reef Peacock and Weeksi Bichir?

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
Weeksi Bichir
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Maison Reef Peacock and Weeksi Bichir 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 Weeksi Bichir 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: Weeksi Bichir is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Weeksi Bichir 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 Weeksi Bichir (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 Weeksi Bichir together, plan for an aquarium of at least 470 litres with a minimum length of 150 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), 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 Weeksi Bichir 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 Weeksi Bichir.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Maison Reef Peacock and Weeksi Bichir 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 Weeksi Bichir need?

A minimum of 470 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Weeksi Bichir 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 Weeksi Bichir aggressive?

Maison Reef Peacock is moderately assertive (6/10) and Weeksi Bichir is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Maison Reef Peacock and Weeksi Bichir need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Maison Reef Peacock prefers 7.8–8.6, while Weeksi Bichir 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 Weeksi Bichir being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Weeksi Bichir 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 Weeksi Bichir during evening hours.

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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