Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Amazon Leaf Fish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 2, 2026
Not Recommended

Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Amazon Leaf Fish 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

Ajamaru Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia ajamaruensis

Amazon Leaf Fish

Monocirrhus polyacanthus

🐠Family Group
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Amazon Leaf Fish
Other
Temperament
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Amazon Leaf Fish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
24–28°C
Amazon Leaf Fish
23–29°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
7.2–8.5
Amazon Leaf Fish
5–6.8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
8–20
Amazon Leaf Fish
0–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Amazon Leaf Fish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Moderate
Amazon Leaf Fish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 150 L
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
150 L
Amazon Leaf Fish
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Amazon Leaf Fish
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Amazon Leaf Fish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Nocturnal
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Amazon Leaf Fish?

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.

Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Amazon Leaf Fish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Amazon Leaf Fish are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Amazon Leaf Fish both frequent the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) 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: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Amazon Leaf Fish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Ajamaru Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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 Ajamaru Rainbowfish (7.2–8.5) and Amazon Leaf Fish (5–6.8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Amazon Leaf Fish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 150 litres with a minimum length of 90 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: Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating. 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

Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Amazon Leaf Fish 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 Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Amazon Leaf Fish.

Show 9 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Amazon Leaf Fish live together?

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

What size tank do Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Amazon Leaf Fish need?

A minimum of 150 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Amazon Leaf Fish 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 Ajamaru Rainbowfish or Amazon Leaf Fish aggressive?

Ajamaru Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Amazon Leaf Fish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Amazon Leaf Fish need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Ajamaru Rainbowfish prefers 7.2–8.5, while Amazon Leaf Fish needs 5–6.8. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

Does Amazon Leaf Fish being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Amazon Leaf Fish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Amazon Leaf Fish during evening hours.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 2, 2026
Last updated
May 2, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

Related Comparisons