Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Loricaria lundbergi Live Together?

Not Recommended

Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Loricaria lundbergi 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

Loricaria lundbergi

Loricaria lundbergi

🐠Family Group
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Loricaria lundbergi
Catfish
Temperament
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Loricaria lundbergi
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
24–28°C
Loricaria lundbergi
25–29°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
7.2–8.5
Loricaria lundbergi
5–7
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
8–20
Loricaria lundbergi
1–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Loricaria lundbergi
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Moderate
Loricaria lundbergi
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 150 L
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
150 L
Loricaria lundbergi
110 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Loricaria lundbergi
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Loricaria lundbergi
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Nocturnal
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Loricaria lundbergi?

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
Loricaria lundbergi
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Behaviour & Temperament

Ajamaru Rainbowfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Loricaria lundbergi is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Ajamaru Rainbowfish may occasionally assert dominance over Loricaria lundbergi.

In terms of spatial distribution, Ajamaru Rainbowfish prefers the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones, whereas Loricaria lundbergi occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Loricaria lundbergi 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 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 Loricaria lundbergi (5–7) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Loricaria lundbergi 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, Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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 Loricaria lundbergi.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Loricaria lundbergi 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 Loricaria lundbergi 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 Loricaria lundbergi 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 Loricaria lundbergi aggressive?

Ajamaru Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Loricaria lundbergi is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Loricaria lundbergi need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Ajamaru Rainbowfish prefers 7.2–8.5, while Loricaria lundbergi needs 5–7. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

Does Loricaria lundbergi being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Loricaria lundbergi 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 Loricaria lundbergi during evening hours.


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