Can Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish) Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf 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 80 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra

Hemigrammus bleheri

MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)

Melanotaenia maccullochi

🐠Family Group
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
Characins
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
24–28°C
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
20–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
5–7
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
5.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
1–8
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
Freshwater Only
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
Moderate
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 80 L
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
75 L
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
80 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
MiddleBottom
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf 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.

Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra is a peaceful species (1/10), while MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish) is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish) may occasionally assert dominance over Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra.

Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf 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: MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf 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 5.5 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 80 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, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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 Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish).

Show 12 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish) live together?

Yes. Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish) are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish) need?

A minimum of 80 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 Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf 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 Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra or MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish) aggressive?

Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra is peaceful (1/10) and MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish) is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Brilliant Rummy-Nose Tetra and MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish) need?

Both species overlap in the 5.5–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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