Can Celebes Rainbowfish and Gardner's Killifish Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Celebes Rainbowfish and Gardner's Killifish 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 90 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Celebes Rainbowfish

Marosatherina ladigesi

Gardner's Killifish

Fundulopanchax gardneri

🐠Family Group
Celebes Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Gardner's Killifish
Killifish
Temperament
Celebes Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Gardner's Killifish
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
22–28°C
Gardner's Killifish
20–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
7–8.5
Gardner's Killifish
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
10–25
Gardner's Killifish
4–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Brackish Tolerant
Gardner's Killifish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Moderate
Gardner's Killifish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 90 L
Celebes Rainbowfish
75 L
Gardner's Killifish
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Celebes Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Gardner's Killifish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celebes Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Gardner's Killifish
Jumper (Lid Required)Fry PredatorShrimp EaterHyperactive / Fast Swimmer

Behaviour & Temperament

Celebes Rainbowfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Gardner's Killifish is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Gardner's Killifish may occasionally assert dominance over Celebes Rainbowfish.

Celebes Rainbowfish and Gardner's Killifish both frequent the Top (Surface) and 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 22°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

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

Tank Setup

To house Celebes Rainbowfish and Gardner's Killifish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 90 litres with a minimum length of 60 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: Plants - lighly covered, Plants - Densely covered, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Celebes Rainbowfish and Gardner's Killifish live together?

Yes. Celebes Rainbowfish and Gardner's Killifish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Celebes Rainbowfish and Gardner's Killifish need?

A minimum of 90 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 Celebes Rainbowfish and Gardner's Killifish together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Celebes Rainbowfish or Gardner's Killifish aggressive?

Celebes Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Gardner's Killifish is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Celebes Rainbowfish and Gardner's Killifish need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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