Can Celebes Rainbowfish and Severum Live Together?
Yes, Celebes Rainbowfish and Severum 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 336 litres is recommended.
At a Glance
Behaviour & Temperament
Celebes Rainbowfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Severum is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Severum may occasionally assert dominance over Celebes Rainbowfish.
Celebes Rainbowfish and Severum 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.
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 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 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Celebes Rainbowfish and Severum together, plan for an aquarium of at least 336 litres with a minimum length of 120 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, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Severum is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Celebes Rainbowfish's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.
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 Severum live together?▾
Yes. Celebes Rainbowfish and Severum 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 Severum need?▾
A minimum of 336 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 Celebes Rainbowfish and Severum 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 Severum aggressive?▾
Celebes Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Severum is moderately assertive (5/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Celebes Rainbowfish and Severum 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.
How do I manage Severum's territorial behaviour?▾
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Severum space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.
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