Can Peacock Bass Temensis and Snowball Shrimp Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Peacock Bass Temensis and Snowball 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

Snowball Shrimp

Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white

🐠Family Group
Peacock Bass Temensis
Cichlids - South American
Snowball Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Peacock Bass Temensis
Aggressive (7/10)
Snowball Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
26–30°C
Snowball Shrimp
18–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
5.5–7.5
Snowball Shrimp
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
2–15
Snowball Shrimp
4–14
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
Freshwater Only
Snowball Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Peacock Bass Temensis
High
Snowball Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 3000 L
Peacock Bass Temensis
3000 L
Snowball Shrimp
10 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Peacock Bass Temensis
MiddleTop
Snowball Shrimp
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Peacock Bass Temensis
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Generally Aggressive
Snowball Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Peacock Bass Temensis and Snowball 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
Snowball Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

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

Peacock Bass Temensis and Snowball Shrimp 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 6.5 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 4–14 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Peacock Bass Temensis and Snowball 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), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Peacock Bass Temensis prefers High (River/Stream) flow while Snowball 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 Snowball 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 Snowball 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 Snowball 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 Snowball Shrimp 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 Snowball Shrimp aggressive?

Peacock Bass Temensis is semi-aggressive (7/10) and Snowball 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 Snowball Shrimp 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.

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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