Can Peacock Bass Temensis and Silvertip Tetra Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Peacock Bass Temensis and Silvertip Tetra 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

Silvertip Tetra

Hasemania nana

🐠Family Group
Peacock Bass Temensis
Cichlids - South American
Silvertip Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Peacock Bass Temensis
Aggressive (7/10)
Silvertip Tetra
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
26–30°C
Silvertip Tetra
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
5.5–7.5
Silvertip Tetra
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
2–15
Silvertip Tetra
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
Freshwater Only
Silvertip Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
High
Silvertip Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 3000 L
Peacock Bass Temensis
3000 L
Silvertip Tetra
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Peacock Bass Temensis
MiddleTop
Silvertip Tetra
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Peacock Bass Temensis
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Generally Aggressive
Silvertip Tetra
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin Nipper
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Peacock Bass Temensis and Silvertip Tetra?

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
Silvertip Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Peacock Bass Temensis is a semi-aggressive species (7/10), while Silvertip Tetra is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Peacock Bass Temensis may occasionally assert dominance over Silvertip Tetra.

Peacock Bass Temensis and Silvertip Tetra 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.

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..

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 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 2–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Peacock Bass Temensis and Silvertip Tetra 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 Silvertip Tetra 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 Silvertip Tetra 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 Silvertip Tetra 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 Silvertip Tetra 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 Peacock Bass Temensis or Silvertip Tetra aggressive?

Peacock Bass Temensis is semi-aggressive (7/10) and Silvertip Tetra is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Peacock Bass Temensis and Silvertip Tetra 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 Silvertip Tetra nip Peacock Bass Temensis's fins?

Silvertip Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Peacock Bass Temensis has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Silvertip Tetra 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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