Can Thinbar Datnoid and Yellow Peacock Cichlid Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Thinbar Datnoid and Yellow Peacock Cichlid 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

Thinbar Datnoid

Datnioides undecimradiatus

Yellow Peacock Cichlid

Aulonocara baenschi

🐠Family Group
Thinbar Datnoid
Oddballs
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Thinbar Datnoid
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Thinbar Datnoid
24–28°C
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Thinbar Datnoid
6.5–7.5
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Thinbar Datnoid
5–18
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Thinbar Datnoid
Brackish Tolerant
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Thinbar Datnoid
Moderate
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 570 L
Thinbar Datnoid
570 L
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Thinbar Datnoid
MiddleBottom
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Thinbar Datnoid
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Thinbar Datnoid and Yellow Peacock Cichlid?

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.

Thinbar Datnoid
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Thinbar Datnoid and Yellow Peacock Cichlid are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Thinbar Datnoid and Yellow Peacock Cichlid both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Thinbar Datnoid (6.5–7.5) and Yellow Peacock Cichlid (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–18 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Thinbar Datnoid and Yellow Peacock Cichlid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 570 litres with a minimum length of 150 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: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Thinbar Datnoid and Yellow Peacock Cichlid 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Thinbar Datnoid and Yellow Peacock Cichlid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Thinbar Datnoid and Yellow Peacock Cichlid live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Thinbar Datnoid and Yellow Peacock Cichlid need?

A minimum of 570 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Thinbar Datnoid and Yellow Peacock Cichlid together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Thinbar Datnoid or Yellow Peacock Cichlid aggressive?

Thinbar Datnoid is moderately assertive (6/10) and Yellow Peacock Cichlid is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Thinbar Datnoid and Yellow Peacock Cichlid need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Thinbar Datnoid prefers 6.5–7.5, while Yellow Peacock Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Thinbar Datnoid's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Thinbar Datnoid 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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