Can Celebes Rainbowfish and Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Celebes Rainbowfish and Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) 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

Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)

Oryzias latipes

🐠Family Group
Celebes Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Killifish
Temperament
Celebes Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
22–28°C
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
10–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
7–8.5
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
6.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
10–25
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
5–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Brackish Tolerant
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Moderate
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 90 L
Celebes Rainbowfish
75 L
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Celebes Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celebes Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Celebes Rainbowfish and Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Celebes Rainbowfish and Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) both frequent the 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: 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 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 8.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–25 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Celebes Rainbowfish and Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) 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 Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) live together?

Yes. Celebes Rainbowfish and Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) 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 Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) 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 Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) 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 Celebes Rainbowfish or Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) aggressive?

Celebes Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Celebes Rainbowfish and Japanese Ricefish (Medaka) need?

Both species overlap in the 7–8.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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