Can Allen's Rainbowfish and Largereye Lampeye Killifish Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Allen's Rainbowfish and Largereye Lampeye Killifish together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. 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

Largereye Lampeye Killifish

Micropanchax macrophthalmus

🐠Family Group
Allen's Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Killifish
Temperament
Allen's Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
24–29°C
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
6–8.4
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
4–15
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
Moderate
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 150 L
Allen's Rainbowfish
150 L
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
40 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Allen's Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Allen's Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Allen's Rainbowfish and Largereye Lampeye Killifish?

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
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Allen's Rainbowfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Largereye Lampeye Killifish is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Allen's Rainbowfish may occasionally assert dominance over Largereye Lampeye Killifish.

Allen's Rainbowfish and Largereye Lampeye Killifish 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: Allen's Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

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 6 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Allen's Rainbowfish and Largereye Lampeye Killifish 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, 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Allen's Rainbowfish and Largereye Lampeye Killifish.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Allen's Rainbowfish and Largereye Lampeye Killifish 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 Largereye Lampeye Killifish 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 Largereye Lampeye Killifish 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 Allen's Rainbowfish or Largereye Lampeye Killifish aggressive?

Allen's Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Largereye Lampeye Killifish is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Allen's Rainbowfish and Largereye Lampeye Killifish need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


Related Comparisons

Allen's Rainbowfish & Ajamaru Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Allen's Rainbowfish: PeacefulAjamaru Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Allen's Rainbowfish & Angfa Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Allen's Rainbowfish: PeacefulAngfa Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Allen's Rainbowfish & Axelrod's Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Allen's Rainbowfish: PeacefulAxelrod's Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Allen's Rainbowfish & Barred Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Allen's Rainbowfish: PeacefulBarred Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Allen's Rainbowfish & Batanta Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Allen's Rainbowfish: PeacefulBatanta Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Allen's Rainbowfish & Bleher's Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Allen's Rainbowfish: PeacefulBleher's Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Largereye Lampeye Killifish & Lyretail Killifish

·

Possible with Caution
Largereye Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulLyretail Killifish: Peaceful

Largereye Lampeye Killifish & Clown Killifish

·

Possible with Caution
Largereye Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulClown Killifish: Peaceful

Largereye Lampeye Killifish & Norman's Lampeye Killifish

·

Possible with Caution
Largereye Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulNorman's Lampeye Killifish: Peaceful

Largereye Lampeye Killifish & Rachov's Killifish (Annual)

·

Possible with Caution
Largereye Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulRachov's Killifish (Annual): Peaceful

Largereye Lampeye Killifish & Gardner's Killifish

·

Possible with Caution
Largereye Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulGardner's Killifish: Peaceful

Largereye Lampeye Killifish & Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)

·

Possible with Caution
Largereye Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulJapanese Ricefish (Medaka): Peaceful