Can Celebes Rainbowfish and Rummy-Nose Tetra Live Together?

🟡Possible with Caution

Keeping Celebes Rainbowfish and Rummy-Nose Tetra together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 90 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Celebes Rainbowfish

Marosatherina ladigesi

Rummy-Nose Tetra

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

🐠Family Group
Celebes Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Celebes Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
22–28°C
Rummy-Nose Tetra
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
7–8.5
Rummy-Nose Tetra
5.5–7
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
10–25
Rummy-Nose Tetra
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Brackish Tolerant
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Moderate
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 90 L
Celebes Rainbowfish
75 L
Rummy-Nose Tetra
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Celebes Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Rummy-Nose Tetra
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celebes Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry PredatorNano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Celebes Rainbowfish and Rummy-Nose Tetra 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Celebes Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

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 7 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 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Celebes Rainbowfish and Rummy-Nose Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 90 litres with a minimum length of 75 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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 - lighly covered, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Celebes Rainbowfish and Rummy-Nose Tetra live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 90 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Celebes Rainbowfish and Rummy-Nose Tetra need?

A minimum of 90 litres (tank length at least 75 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 Rummy-Nose Tetra 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 Celebes Rainbowfish or Rummy-Nose Tetra aggressive?

Celebes Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Rummy-Nose Tetra is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Celebes Rainbowfish and Rummy-Nose Tetra need?

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


Related Comparisons