Can Peacock Gudgeon and Red Goldflake Shrimp Live Together?
Keeping Peacock Gudgeon and Red Goldflake Shrimp together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 40 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Peacock Gudgeon 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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Peacock Gudgeon is a peaceful species (2/10), while Red Goldflake Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Peacock Gudgeon may occasionally assert dominance over Red Goldflake Shrimp.
Peacock Gudgeon and Red Goldflake Shrimp both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 26°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°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 5–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Peacock Gudgeon and Red Goldflake Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 40 litres with a minimum length of 45 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.
Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Why This Pairing Needs Extra Planning in Practice
This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Peacock Gudgeon and Red Goldflake Shrimp need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Peacock Gudgeon and Red Goldflake Shrimp.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
Show 21 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Peacock Gudgeon and Red Goldflake Shrimp live together?
They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 40 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
What size tank do Peacock Gudgeon and Red Goldflake Shrimp need?
A minimum of 40 litres (tank length at least 45 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 Gudgeon and Red Goldflake Shrimp together?
Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 26°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Peacock Gudgeon or Red Goldflake Shrimp aggressive?
Peacock Gudgeon is peaceful (2/10) and Red Goldflake Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Peacock Gudgeon 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.
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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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