Can Peacock Bass Temensis and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Peacock Bass Temensis and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. 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

White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)

Cynotilapia sp. 'hara'

🐠Family Group
Peacock Bass Temensis
Cichlids - South American
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Peacock Bass Temensis
Aggressive (7/10)
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
26–30°C
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Peacock Bass Temensis
5.5–7.5
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
2–15
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
Freshwater Only
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Peacock Bass Temensis
High
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 3000 L
Peacock Bass Temensis
3000 L
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Peacock Bass Temensis
MiddleTop
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Peacock Bass Temensis
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Generally Aggressive
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Peacock Bass Temensis and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)?

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
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Peacock Bass Temensis and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) are semi-aggressive species with an aggression score of 7/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Both Peacock Bass Temensis and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

Peacock Bass Temensis and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Two aggressive species housed together increases risk of fighting.

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.

The pH requirements of Peacock Bass Temensis (5.5–7.5) and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Peacock Bass Temensis and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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.

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 White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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 White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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 White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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 White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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 White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) aggressive?

Peacock Bass Temensis is semi-aggressive (7/10) and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) is semi-aggressive (7/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Peacock Bass Temensis and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Peacock Bass Temensis prefers 5.5–7.5, while White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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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