Can Otocinclus Catfish Live With Peacock Cichlid?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. Otocinclus Catfish needs 6.0–7.5, Peacock Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Otocinclus Catfish | Peacock Cichlid | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 76–82°F | 76–79°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 7.8–8.6 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi-aggressive | Monitor ⚠ |
| Max Size | 2" | 6" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 55 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Herbivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus spp.
intermediatepeaceful10+ gal
Otocinclus catfish (otos) are tiny, peaceful algae eaters that are incredibly effective at controlling soft green algae and diatoms in planted tanks. They are the gold standard for planted tank algae control, often preferred over larger plecos. However, they are somewhat delicate and require established, well-maintained aquariums.
Full care guide →Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara spp.
intermediatesemi-aggressive55+ gal
The Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara spp.) is a intermediate-level freshwater fish growing to 6 inches. Semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 55 gallon tank.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For Otocinclus Catfish:
For Peacock Cichlid:
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