Can Peacock Bass Temensis and Rosy Barb Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Peacock Bass Temensis and Rosy Barb are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap. 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

Rosy Barb

Pethia conchonius

🐠Family Group
Peacock Bass Temensis
Cichlids - South American
Rosy Barb
Cyprinids
Temperament
Peacock Bass Temensis
Aggressive (7/10)
Rosy Barb
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Peacock Bass Temensis
26–30°C
Rosy Barb
18–25°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
5.5–7.5
Rosy Barb
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
2–15
Rosy Barb
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
Freshwater Only
Rosy Barb
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
High
Rosy Barb
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 3000 L
Peacock Bass Temensis
3000 L
Rosy Barb
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Peacock Bass Temensis
MiddleTop
Rosy Barb
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Peacock Bass Temensis
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Generally Aggressive
Rosy Barb
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Plant Destroyer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Peacock Bass Temensis and Rosy Barb?

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
Rosy Barb
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Peacock Bass Temensis and Rosy Barb both frequent the Middle (Open Water) 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: Peacock Bass Temensis is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

There is no temperature overlap between Peacock Bass Temensis (26–30°C) and Rosy Barb (18–25°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 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 4–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Peacock Bass Temensis and Rosy Barb 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). 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

Peacock Bass Temensis and Rosy Barb 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 Rosy Barb live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Peacock Bass Temensis and Rosy Barb 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 Rosy Barb together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Peacock Bass Temensis requires 26–30°C, while Rosy Barb needs 18–25°C.

Are Peacock Bass Temensis or Rosy Barb aggressive?

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

What pH do Peacock Bass Temensis and Rosy Barb need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Rosy Barb nip Peacock Bass Temensis's fins?

Rosy Barb is a known fin nipper. If Peacock Bass Temensis has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Rosy Barb in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

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?
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