Can Celebes Rainbowfish and Turquoise Rainbowfish Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Celebes Rainbowfish and Turquoise Rainbowfish 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 192 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Celebes Rainbowfish

Marosatherina ladigesi

Turquoise Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia lacustris

🐟Family Group
Celebes Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Celebes Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
22–28°C
Turquoise Rainbowfish
20–25°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
7–8.5
Turquoise Rainbowfish
7–9
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
10–25
Turquoise Rainbowfish
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Brackish Tolerant
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Moderate
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 192 L
Celebes Rainbowfish
75 L
Turquoise Rainbowfish
160 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Celebes Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Turquoise Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celebes Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Celebes Rainbowfish and Turquoise Rainbowfish 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 Turquoise Rainbowfish 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 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.5°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 Turquoise Rainbowfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 192 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, Plants - Densely covered. 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 Turquoise Rainbowfish live together?

Yes. Celebes Rainbowfish and Turquoise Rainbowfish 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 Turquoise Rainbowfish need?

A minimum of 192 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 Turquoise Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 25°C. A target of around 23.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Celebes Rainbowfish or Turquoise Rainbowfish aggressive?

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

What pH do Celebes Rainbowfish and Turquoise Rainbowfish 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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