Can Allen's Rainbowfish and Long-Finned African Tetra Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Allen's Rainbowfish and Long-Finned African Tetra are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 200 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Allen's Rainbowfish

Chilatherina alleni

Long-Finned African Tetra

Brycinus longipinnis

🐠Family Group
Allen's Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Long-Finned African Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Allen's Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Long-Finned African Tetra
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
24–29°C
Long-Finned African Tetra
22–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
6–8.4
Long-Finned African Tetra
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
4–15
Long-Finned African Tetra
5–19
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Long-Finned African Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
Moderate
Long-Finned African Tetra
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Allen's Rainbowfish
150 L
Long-Finned African Tetra
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Allen's Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Long-Finned African Tetra
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Allen's Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Long-Finned African Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry PredatorAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Allen's Rainbowfish and Long-Finned African Tetra?

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
Long-Finned African Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Allen's Rainbowfish and Long-Finned African Tetra 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 Long-Finned African Tetra 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 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 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 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Allen's Rainbowfish and Long-Finned African Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 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.

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 - lighly covered, 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 Allen's Rainbowfish and Long-Finned African Tetra.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Allen's Rainbowfish and Long-Finned African Tetra live together?

Yes. Allen's Rainbowfish and Long-Finned African Tetra are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Allen's Rainbowfish and Long-Finned African Tetra need?

A minimum of 200 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 Long-Finned African Tetra together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Allen's Rainbowfish or Long-Finned African Tetra aggressive?

Allen's Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Long-Finned African Tetra is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Allen's Rainbowfish and Long-Finned African Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 6–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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