Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Finger Fish Live Together?

Not Recommended

Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Finger Fish are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types. 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

Finger Fish

Monodactylus argenteus

🐠Family Group
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Finger Fish
Oddballs
Temperament
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Finger Fish
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
24–28°C
Finger Fish
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
7.2–8.5
Finger Fish
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
8–20
Finger Fish
12–30
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Finger Fish
Brackish Required
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Moderate
Finger Fish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 470 L
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
150 L
Finger Fish
470 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Finger Fish
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Finger Fish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperPlant DestroyerAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Finger 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
Finger Fish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Ajamaru Rainbowfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Finger Fish is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Finger Fish may occasionally assert dominance over Ajamaru Rainbowfish.

Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Finger Fish both frequent the 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.

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 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 12–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

Tank Setup

To house Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Finger Fish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 470 litres with a minimum length of 150 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, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Finger Fish is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Ajamaru Rainbowfish's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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 Finger Fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Finger Fish live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Finger Fish need?

A minimum of 470 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Finger 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 Finger Fish aggressive?

Ajamaru Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Finger Fish is moderately assertive (5/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Finger Fish need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–8.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Finger Fish nip Ajamaru Rainbowfish's fins?

Finger Fish is a known fin nipper. If Ajamaru Rainbowfish has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Finger Fish in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.


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