Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chocolate Gourami Live Together?

Not Recommended

Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chocolate Gourami 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

Ajamaru Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia ajamaruensis

Chocolate Gourami

Sphaerichthys osphromenoides

🐠Family Group
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Chocolate Gourami
Anabantoids
Temperament
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Chocolate Gourami
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
24–28°C
Chocolate Gourami
25–30°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
7.2–8.5
Chocolate Gourami
4–6.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
8–20
Chocolate Gourami
0–5
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Chocolate Gourami
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Moderate
Chocolate Gourami
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 150 L
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
150 L
Chocolate Gourami
55 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Chocolate Gourami
TopMiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Chocolate Gourami
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chocolate Gourami?

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
Chocolate Gourami
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chocolate Gourami 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 Chocolate Gourami 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: Ajamaru Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 25°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Ajamaru Rainbowfish (7.2–8.5) and Chocolate Gourami (4–6.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Ajamaru Rainbowfish needs 8–20 dGH while Chocolate Gourami requires 0–5 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chocolate Gourami 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, Plants - Floating, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chocolate Gourami.

Show 9 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chocolate Gourami 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 Chocolate Gourami 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 Chocolate Gourami together?

Keep the aquarium between 25°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Ajamaru Rainbowfish or Chocolate Gourami aggressive?

Ajamaru Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Chocolate Gourami is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chocolate Gourami need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Ajamaru Rainbowfish prefers 7.2–8.5, while Chocolate Gourami needs 4–6.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.


Related Comparisons