Can Neon Blue Goby and Peacock Bass Temensis Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Neon Blue Goby and Peacock Bass Temensis are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Neon Blue Goby

Stiphodon atropurpureus

Peacock Bass Temensis

Cichla temensis

🐠Family Group
Neon Blue Goby
Gobies & Gudgeons
Peacock Bass Temensis
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Neon Blue Goby
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Peacock Bass Temensis
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
22–28°C
Peacock Bass Temensis
26–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
6.5–7.5
Peacock Bass Temensis
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
4–12
Peacock Bass Temensis
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
Freshwater Only
Peacock Bass Temensis
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
High
Peacock Bass Temensis
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 3000 L
Neon Blue Goby
57 L
Peacock Bass Temensis
3000 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Neon Blue Goby
Bottom
Peacock Bass Temensis
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Neon Blue Goby
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Peacock Bass Temensis
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Generally Aggressive
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Neon Blue Goby 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.

Neon Blue Goby
Peacock Bass Temensis
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Neon Blue Goby is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Peacock Bass Temensis is semi-aggressive (7/10). This notable difference means Peacock Bass Temensis may occasionally assert dominance over Neon Blue Goby.

In terms of spatial distribution, Neon Blue Goby prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Peacock Bass Temensis occupies the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

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.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Neon Blue Goby 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: Established Algae (Otocinclus), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with high (river/stream) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Neon Blue Goby 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 Neon Blue Goby 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 Neon Blue Goby 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 Neon Blue Goby 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 Neon Blue Goby or Peacock Bass Temensis aggressive?

Neon Blue Goby is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Peacock Bass Temensis is semi-aggressive (7/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Neon Blue Goby and Peacock Bass Temensis need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Neon Blue Goby's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Neon Blue Goby 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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