Can Bulolo Rainbowfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Bulolo Rainbowfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 200 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Bulolo Rainbowfish

Chilatherina bulolo

Glass Bloodfin Tetra

Prionobrama filigera

🐠Family Group
Bulolo Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Bulolo Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Bulolo Rainbowfish
22–28°C
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Bulolo Rainbowfish
7.5–8.8
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
6–7.8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Bulolo Rainbowfish
8–20
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
2–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Bulolo Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Bulolo Rainbowfish
High
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Bulolo Rainbowfish
200 L
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Bulolo Rainbowfish
MiddleTop
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Bulolo Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Bulolo Rainbowfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra?

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.

Bulolo Rainbowfish
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Bulolo Rainbowfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Glass Bloodfin Tetra is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Bulolo Rainbowfish may occasionally assert dominance over Glass Bloodfin Tetra.

Bulolo Rainbowfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) 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: Bulolo 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 7.5 and 7.8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Bulolo Rainbowfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 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 - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with high (river/stream) 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. Bulolo Rainbowfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra 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 Bulolo Rainbowfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bulolo Rainbowfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 200 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Bulolo Rainbowfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra need?

A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Bulolo Rainbowfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra 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 Bulolo Rainbowfish or Glass Bloodfin Tetra aggressive?

Bulolo Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Glass Bloodfin Tetra is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Bulolo Rainbowfish and Glass Bloodfin Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–7.8 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 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

Related Comparisons