Can Black-Banded Rainbowfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Black-Banded Rainbowfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish 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 100 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Black-Banded Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia nigrans

Norman's Lampeye Killifish

Poropanchax normani

🐠Family Group
Black-Banded Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Killifish
Temperament
Black-Banded Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Black-Banded Rainbowfish
22–28°C
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Black-Banded Rainbowfish
5.5–8
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Black-Banded Rainbowfish
4–15
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Black-Banded Rainbowfish
Brackish Tolerant
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Black-Banded Rainbowfish
Moderate
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 100 L
Black-Banded Rainbowfish
100 L
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Black-Banded Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Black-Banded Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Black-Banded Rainbowfish and Norman's 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.

Black-Banded Rainbowfish
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Black-Banded Rainbowfish and Norman's 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.

Worth noting: Black-Banded Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 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 Black-Banded Rainbowfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 100 litres with a minimum length of 80 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 - 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 Black-Banded Rainbowfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish.

Show 12 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Black-Banded Rainbowfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish live together?

Yes. Black-Banded Rainbowfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Black-Banded Rainbowfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish need?

A minimum of 100 litres (tank length at least 80 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 Black-Banded Rainbowfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Black-Banded Rainbowfish or Norman's Lampeye Killifish aggressive?

Black-Banded Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Norman's Lampeye Killifish is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Black-Banded Rainbowfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


Related Comparisons

Black-Banded Rainbowfish & Celebes Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Black-Banded Rainbowfish: PeacefulCelebes Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Black-Banded Rainbowfish & Delicate Blue-Eye

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Black-Banded Rainbowfish: PeacefulDelicate Blue-Eye: Peaceful

Black-Banded Rainbowfish & Pacific Blue Eye

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Black-Banded Rainbowfish: PeacefulPacific Blue Eye: Peaceful

Black-Banded Rainbowfish & Ajamaru Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Black-Banded Rainbowfish: PeacefulAjamaru Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Black-Banded Rainbowfish & Allen's Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Black-Banded Rainbowfish: PeacefulAllen's Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Black-Banded Rainbowfish & Angfa Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Black-Banded Rainbowfish: PeacefulAngfa Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Norman's Lampeye Killifish & Largereye Lampeye Killifish

·

Possible with Caution
Norman's Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulLargereye Lampeye Killifish: Peaceful

Norman's Lampeye Killifish & Lyretail Killifish

·

Possible with Caution
Norman's Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulLyretail Killifish: Peaceful

Norman's Lampeye Killifish & Clown Killifish

·

Possible with Caution
Norman's Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulClown Killifish: Peaceful

Norman's Lampeye Killifish & Rachov's Killifish (Annual)

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Norman's Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulRachov's Killifish (Annual): Peaceful

Norman's Lampeye Killifish & Amazon Puffer

·

Possible with Caution
Norman's Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulAmazon Puffer: Peaceful

Norman's Lampeye Killifish & Axelrod's Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Norman's Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulAxelrod's Rainbowfish: Peaceful