Can Uaru and Yellow Peacock Cichlid Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Uaru and Yellow Peacock Cichlid are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Uaru

Uaru amphiacanthoides

Yellow Peacock Cichlid

Aulonocara baenschi

🐠Family Group
Uaru
Cichlids - South American
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Uaru
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Uaru
27–30°C
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Uaru
5–7
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Uaru
1–8
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Uaru
Freshwater Only
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Uaru
Low
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 400 L
Uaru
400 L
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Uaru
MiddleBottom
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Uaru
Plant DestroyerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Shrimp Eater
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Uaru 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.

Uaru
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Uaru is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Yellow Peacock Cichlid is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Yellow Peacock Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Uaru.

Uaru 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 27°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Uaru (5–7) and Yellow Peacock Cichlid (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Uaru needs 1–8 dGH while Yellow Peacock Cichlid requires 10–25 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Uaru and Yellow Peacock Cichlid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 400 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), Sand (Sifters). 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 Usually Fails in Practice

Uaru 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 Uaru and Yellow Peacock Cichlid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Uaru 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 Uaru and Yellow Peacock Cichlid need?

A minimum of 400 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 Uaru and Yellow Peacock Cichlid together?

Keep the aquarium between 27°C and 28°C. A target of around 27.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Uaru or Yellow Peacock Cichlid aggressive?

Uaru is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Yellow Peacock Cichlid is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Uaru and Yellow Peacock Cichlid need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Uaru prefers 5–7, while Yellow Peacock Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Yellow Peacock Cichlid's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Yellow Peacock Cichlid 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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