Can Celebes Rainbowfish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Celebes Rainbowfish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. They occupy different areas of the water column, which reduces competition for space. A minimum tank size of 90 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Celebes Rainbowfish

Marosatherina ladigesi

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)

Melanoides tuberculata

🐠Family Group
Celebes Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Invertebrates
Temperament
Celebes Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
22–28°C
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
18–32°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
7–8.5
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
10–25
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
8–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Brackish Tolerant
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Moderate
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 90 L
Celebes Rainbowfish
75 L
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
5 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Celebes Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celebes Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Nocturnal

Behaviour & Temperament

Celebes Rainbowfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Celebes Rainbowfish may occasionally assert dominance over Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).

In terms of spatial distribution, Celebes Rainbowfish prefers the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones, whereas Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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, Sand (Sifters), Soil / Nutrient Rich. 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) live together?

Yes. Celebes Rainbowfish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) aggressive?

Celebes Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Celebes Rainbowfish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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.

Does Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) during evening hours.


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