Can Peacock Bass Temensis and Red Goldflake Shrimp Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Peacock Bass Temensis and Red Goldflake Shrimp 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

Peacock Bass Temensis

Cichla temensis

Red Goldflake Shrimp

Caridina sp. Red Goldflake

🐠Family Group
Peacock Bass Temensis
Cichlids - South American
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Peacock Bass Temensis
Aggressive (7/10)
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
26–30°C
Red Goldflake Shrimp
26–29°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
5.5–7.5
Red Goldflake Shrimp
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
2–15
Red Goldflake Shrimp
4–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
Freshwater Only
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Peacock Bass Temensis
High
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 3000 L
Peacock Bass Temensis
3000 L
Red Goldflake Shrimp
38 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Peacock Bass Temensis
MiddleTop
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Peacock Bass Temensis
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Generally Aggressive
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Peacock Bass Temensis and Red Goldflake 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.

Peacock Bass Temensis
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Peacock Bass Temensis is a semi-aggressive species (7/10), while Red Goldflake Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Peacock Bass Temensis may occasionally assert dominance over Red Goldflake Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Peacock Bass Temensis and Red Goldflake Shrimp increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Peacock Bass Temensis prefers the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) zones, whereas Red Goldflake Shrimp occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. 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 Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species. Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

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 29°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 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 4–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Peacock Bass Temensis and Red Goldflake Shrimp 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), Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Peacock Bass Temensis prefers High (River/Stream) flow while Red Goldflake Shrimp needs Low (Still Water) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Peacock Bass Temensis and Red Goldflake 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Peacock Bass Temensis and Red Goldflake Shrimp live together?

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

What size tank do Peacock Bass Temensis and Red Goldflake Shrimp 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 Peacock Bass Temensis and Red Goldflake Shrimp together?

Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 29°C. A target of around 27.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Peacock Bass Temensis or Red Goldflake Shrimp aggressive?

Peacock Bass Temensis is semi-aggressive (7/10) and Red Goldflake 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 Peacock Bass Temensis and Red Goldflake Shrimp need?

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

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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