Can Allen's Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Allen's Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 150 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Allen's Rainbowfish

Chilatherina alleni

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi

🐟Family Group
Allen's Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Allen's Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
24–29°C
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
20–25°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
6–8.4
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
7.2–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
4–15
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
8–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
Moderate
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 150 L
Allen's Rainbowfish
150 L
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Allen's Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Allen's Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Jumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Allen's Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish?

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.

Allen's Rainbowfish
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Allen's Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish 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.

Allen's Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish 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.

Worth noting: Allen's 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 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.2 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Allen's Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 150 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - lighly covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered. 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 Allen's Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Allen's Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 150 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Allen's Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish need?

A minimum of 150 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Allen's Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 25°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Allen's Rainbowfish or Lake Tebera Rainbowfish aggressive?

Allen's Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Allen's Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish need?

Both species overlap in the 7.2–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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