Can Barred Rainbowfish and Murray River Rainbowfish Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Barred Rainbowfish and Murray River 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

Barred Rainbowfish

Chilatherina fasciata

Murray River Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia fluviatilis

🐟Family Group
Barred Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Murray River Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Barred Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Murray River Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Barred Rainbowfish
24–28°C
Murray River Rainbowfish
20–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Barred Rainbowfish
7–8.5
Murray River Rainbowfish
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Barred Rainbowfish
8–20
Murray River Rainbowfish
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Barred Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Murray River Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Barred Rainbowfish
Moderate
Murray River Rainbowfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Barred Rainbowfish
200 L
Murray River Rainbowfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Barred Rainbowfish
MiddleTop
Murray River Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Barred Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Murray River Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Barred Rainbowfish and Murray River 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.

Barred Rainbowfish
Murray River Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Barred Rainbowfish and Murray River 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.

Barred Rainbowfish and Murray River Rainbowfish both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) 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: Barred 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 7 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 8–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Barred Rainbowfish and Murray River 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.

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 Barred Rainbowfish and Murray River Rainbowfish.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Barred Rainbowfish and Murray River Rainbowfish live together?

Yes. Barred Rainbowfish and Murray River Rainbowfish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Barred Rainbowfish and Murray River 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 Barred Rainbowfish and Murray River Rainbowfish 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 Barred Rainbowfish or Murray River Rainbowfish aggressive?

Barred Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Murray River Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Barred Rainbowfish and Murray River Rainbowfish need?

Both species overlap in the 7–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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