Can Blue Rainbowfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 2, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Blue Rainbowfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) together is possible but requires caution due to differing aggression levels and potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 450 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Blue Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia caerulea

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)

Datnioides polota

🐠Family Group
Blue Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Oddballs
Temperament
Blue Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Blue Rainbowfish
24–28°C
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Blue Rainbowfish
7–8
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Blue Rainbowfish
5–15
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Blue Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Blue Rainbowfish
Moderate
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 450 L
Blue Rainbowfish
110 L
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
450 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Blue Rainbowfish
MiddleTop
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Blue Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Blue Rainbowfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)?

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.

Blue Rainbowfish
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Blue Rainbowfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) may occasionally assert dominance over Blue Rainbowfish.

Blue Rainbowfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

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

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

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 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 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Blue Rainbowfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 450 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters). 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 Needs Extra Planning in Practice

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Blue Rainbowfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Blue Rainbowfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Blue Rainbowfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 450 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Blue Rainbowfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) need?

A minimum of 450 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 Rainbowfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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 Rainbowfish or Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) aggressive?

Blue Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Blue Rainbowfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) need?

Both species overlap in the 7–8 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 2, 2026
Last updated
May 2, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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