Can Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Endler's Livebearer Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 1, 2026
Not Recommended

Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Endler's Livebearer are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra

Hemigrammus bleheri

Endler's Livebearer

Poecilia wingei

🐠Family Group
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
Characins
Endler's Livebearer
Livebearers
Temperament
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Endler's Livebearer
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
24–28°C
Endler's Livebearer
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
5–7
Endler's Livebearer
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
1–8
Endler's Livebearer
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
Freshwater Only
Endler's Livebearer
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
Moderate
Endler's Livebearer
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
75 L
Endler's Livebearer
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
MiddleBottom
Endler's Livebearer
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Endler's Livebearer
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Endler's Livebearer?

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.

Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
Endler's Livebearer
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Endler's Livebearer are peaceful species with an aggression score of 1/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Endler's Livebearer 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: Endler's Livebearer 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 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra needs 1–8 dGH while Endler's Livebearer requires 10–25 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Endler's Livebearer together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 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, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Endler's Livebearer are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Endler's Livebearer.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Endler's Livebearer live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Endler's Livebearer need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Endler's Livebearer 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 Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra or Endler's Livebearer aggressive?

Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra is peaceful (1/10) and Endler's Livebearer is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and Endler's Livebearer need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7 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 1, 2026
Last updated
May 1, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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