Can Allen's Rainbowfish and Red-Finned Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Allen's Rainbowfish and Red-Finned Rainbowfish 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

Red-Finned Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia rubripinnis

🐟Family Group
Allen's Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Red-Finned Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Allen's Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Red-Finned Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
24–29°C
Red-Finned Rainbowfish
24–29°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
6–8.4
Red-Finned Rainbowfish
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
4–15
Red-Finned Rainbowfish
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Red-Finned Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Allen's Rainbowfish
Moderate
Red-Finned Rainbowfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Allen's Rainbowfish
150 L
Red-Finned Rainbowfish
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Allen's Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Red-Finned Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Allen's Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Red-Finned Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Allen's Rainbowfish and Red-Finned 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
Red-Finned Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Allen's Rainbowfish and Red-Finned 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 Red-Finned 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 29°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 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 Red-Finned Rainbowfish 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), 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.

Why This Pairing Works in Practice

Allen's Rainbowfish and Red-Finned Rainbowfish work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Allen's Rainbowfish and Red-Finned Rainbowfish.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Allen's Rainbowfish and Red-Finned Rainbowfish live together?

Yes. Allen's Rainbowfish and Red-Finned Rainbowfish 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 Red-Finned Rainbowfish 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 Red-Finned Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 29°C. A target of around 26.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Allen's Rainbowfish or Red-Finned Rainbowfish aggressive?

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

What pH do Allen's Rainbowfish and Red-Finned Rainbowfish need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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