Compatability of Angelfish, Blood Parrot Cichlids, and Silver Dollars with Peacock Eels

When considering tankmates for a Peacock Eel (Macrognathus spp.), it's essential to evaluate the compatibility in terms of size, temperament, and environmental needs. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the three fish you mentioned: Angelfish, Blood Parrot Cichlids, and Silver Dollars, and offers insights into their compatibility with a Peacock Eel.

Angelfish

Compatibility: Generally, Angelfish can be kept with Peacock Eels. However, caution is advised due to the territorial nature of Angelfish, especially during breeding. They may bully smaller or more timid fish, which could pose a risk to a Peacock Eel.

Environment: Both species prefer similar water conditions, slightly acidic to neutral pH, and warm temperatures. This makes them compatible in terms of environmental needs.

Blood Parrot Cichlids

Compatibility: Blood Parrot Cichlids can be kept with Peacock Eels, but their aggressive temperament is a concern. It's crucial to ensure the tank has plenty of hiding spots for the eel to retreat to if necessary. Their aggression can lead to stress and potential harm to the eel.

Environment: Blood Parrot Cichlids thrive in similar water conditions as Peacock Eels, but their aggressive behavior might not make them ideal tankmates for the eel.

Silver Dollars

Compatibility: Silver Dollars are generally peaceful and can coexist with Peacock Eels. However, as they are schooling fish, it's best to keep them in groups. This helps to minimize stress and aggression in the tank.

Environment: They prefer similar water conditions as Peacock Eels, making them suitable tankmates for the eel.

Conclusion

In summary, while Angelfish and Blood Parrot Cichlids may pose risks due to their territorial behavior or aggression, Silver Dollars are good companions for a Peacock Eel. Always ensure your tank is spacious with plenty of hiding spots to minimize stress and aggression among the fish. Regular monitoring of behavior is crucial when introducing new tankmates.

Practical Considerations

The Angelfish and Silver Dollars would do fine as tankmates for a Peacock Eel. I've seen people keep these combinations successfully. Just ensure the tank is at least a 70-gallon tank if you want to keep all three species and provide enough cover and hiding spots for the eel to feel safe.

A spare 40-gallon tank may be useful in case the Angelfish decide to breed, as you may need to separate them temporarily to avoid conflict. I know someone who kept Angelfish and a Peacock Eel in a 55-gallon tank and didn't separate the two species because there was no conflict, and the fry grew up in the same tank.

As for Blood Parrots, it's considered a riskier bet due to their aggressive behavior. Blood Parrot Cichlids, despite their deformed mouth structure due to hybridization, can eat fish and pose a danger to a Peacock Eel, similar to how they ate Red-Tailed Sharks.

Hope this helps in making an informed decision about your tank setup and tankmate choices.