Best Tank Mates For Cichla

[bassinmike85]

This is just a starting point.

Small Juvenile Peacock Bass (1–6 inches)

• Key Considerations:
  Juveniles are vulnerable, aggressive feeders, but still small enough to be eaten by larger fish. You want similarly sized, peaceful to moderately aggressive fish that won’t outcompete or injure them.
• 
  
• Best Tank Mates:
• • Silver Dollars (Metynnis spp.) – Fast, peaceful, and big enough not to be eaten
  • Large Tetras (like Congo Tetras) – Active and tough
  • Young Severums (Heros spp.) – Calm and hardy
  • Bichirs (small species like Senegal Bichir) – Bottom dwellers, not a threat
  • Medium-size Plecos (like Bristlenose) – Cleanup crew, but pick armored types
  • Flagtail Prochilodus – Fast, tough, algae grazers
  • Geophagus Species (like Red Head Tapajos) – Sand sifters, peaceful
• 
  
• Tank Mate Size Rule:
  Choose fish that are at least half the size of the bass to avoid being eaten.

Large Adult Peacock Bass (12–30+ inches)

• Key Considerations:
  Large peacock bass are extremely predatory and will eat anything they can fit in their mouth. You need big, tough, and fast tank mates.
• 
  
• Best Tank Mates:
• • Large Catfish (Redtail Catfish, Tiger Shovelnose, Pictus Catfish) – But watch the size
  • Arowanas (Silver, Black) – Surface swimmers, need large tanks
  • Large Oscars – Aggressive enough to defend themselves
  • Large Clown Knifefish – Shy but can grow huge
  • Datnoids (Indo Datnoid, NGT) – Heavy-bodied, slow-moving but not easy prey
  • Large Silver Dollars (over 6 inches) – Schooling for safety
  • Large Bichirs (Ornate, Endlicheri) – Stay at the bottom and are tough
  • Giant Gouramis – Tough and peaceful if large enough
• 
  
• Tank Mate Size Rule:
  All tank mates must be at least ⅔ or larger the size of the peacock bass.

Important Notes:

• Tank Size: Bigger is always better. 250–500+ gallons ideal for adults with tank mates.
• Feeding: Feed the bass well to reduce aggression toward tank mates.
• Hiding Spots: Driftwood, caves, and plants help weaker fish escape the bass’s attention.
• Compatibility: No tiny fish (they’ll be snacks), no overly aggressive fish (can stress or injure the bass).

 

[wednesday13]

Once the bass cant be eaten… Rays and bass is a good combo. Had a tem eat a shed barb one time, and of course the bass will always get to food first but the overall display is great with bass up top and flying saucers on the bottom lol…

+1 on the flagtail and giant gourami… specifically RTGG

My bad experiences involve a 34” tiger shovelnose with monos and even a 20” pinima who went right down the hatch … most any cat over 30” cant be trusted with anything but a 24”+ temensis. Alot of people think their 24” cat is 3’+… the mouth size and ability to eat others is drastically different from 24 to a true 36” IME.

Good write up regardless OP …