Can Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Celebes Rainbowfish Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Celebes 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 570 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Blue Dolphin (Hap)

Cyrtocara moorii

Celebes Rainbowfish

Marosatherina ladigesi

🐠Family Group
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Cichlids - African
Celebes Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Celebes Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
24–28°C
Celebes Rainbowfish
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
7.5–8.6
Celebes Rainbowfish
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
10–25
Celebes Rainbowfish
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Freshwater Only
Celebes Rainbowfish
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Moderate
Celebes Rainbowfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 570 L
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
475 L
Celebes Rainbowfish
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
MiddleBottom
Celebes Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Celebes Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator

Behaviour & Temperament

Blue Dolphin (Hap) is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Celebes Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Blue Dolphin (Hap) may occasionally assert dominance over Celebes Rainbowfish.

Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Celebes Rainbowfish both frequent the 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: Celebes 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 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–25 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Celebes Rainbowfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 570 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - lighly 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Celebes Rainbowfish live together?

Yes. Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Celebes Rainbowfish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Celebes Rainbowfish need?

A minimum of 570 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Celebes Rainbowfish 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 Blue Dolphin (Hap) or Celebes Rainbowfish aggressive?

Blue Dolphin (Hap) is moderately assertive (5/10) and Celebes Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Celebes Rainbowfish need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–8.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


Related Comparisons

Blue Dolphin (Hap) & African Butterfly Cichlid

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Blue Dolphin (Hap): PeacefulAfrican Butterfly Cichlid: Peaceful

Blue Dolphin (Hap) & Frontosa

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Blue Dolphin (Hap): PeacefulFrontosa: Peaceful

Blue Dolphin (Hap) & Kribensis

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Blue Dolphin (Hap): PeacefulKribensis: Peaceful

Blue Dolphin (Hap) & Yellow Lab (Mbuna)

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Blue Dolphin (Hap): PeacefulYellow Lab (Mbuna): Peaceful

Blue Dolphin (Hap) & Shell Dweller (Multi)

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Blue Dolphin (Hap): PeacefulShell Dweller (Multi): Peaceful

Blue Dolphin (Hap) & African Jewel Cichlid

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Blue Dolphin (Hap): PeacefulAfrican Jewel Cichlid: Peaceful

Celebes Rainbowfish & Boeseman's Rainbowfish

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Celebes Rainbowfish: PeacefulBoeseman's Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Celebes Rainbowfish & Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Praecox)

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Celebes Rainbowfish: PeacefulDwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Praecox): Peaceful

Celebes Rainbowfish & Forktail Blue-eye

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Celebes Rainbowfish: PeacefulForktail Blue-eye: Peaceful

Celebes Rainbowfish & Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Celebes Rainbowfish: PeacefulGertrude's Spotted Blue-eye: Peaceful

Celebes Rainbowfish & Red Rainbowfish

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Celebes Rainbowfish: PeacefulRed Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Celebes Rainbowfish & Turquoise Rainbowfish

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Celebes Rainbowfish: PeacefulTurquoise Rainbowfish: Peaceful