Can Celebes Rainbowfish and Zebra Danio Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Celebes Rainbowfish and Zebra Danio 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

Zebra Danio

Danio rerio

🐠Family Group
Celebes Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Zebra Danio
Cyprinids
Temperament
Celebes Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Zebra Danio
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
22–28°C
Zebra Danio
18–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
7–8.5
Zebra Danio
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
10–25
Zebra Danio
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Brackish Tolerant
Zebra Danio
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Moderate
Zebra Danio
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 90 L
Celebes Rainbowfish
75 L
Zebra Danio
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Celebes Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Zebra Danio
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celebes Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Zebra Danio
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperJumper (Lid Required)Fry PredatorAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)

Behaviour & Temperament

Celebes Rainbowfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Zebra Danio is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Zebra Danio may occasionally assert dominance over Celebes Rainbowfish.

Celebes Rainbowfish and Zebra Danio 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 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Celebes Rainbowfish and Zebra Danio 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, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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 Zebra Danio live together?

Yes. Celebes Rainbowfish and Zebra Danio 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 Zebra Danio 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 Zebra Danio together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Celebes Rainbowfish or Zebra Danio aggressive?

Celebes Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Zebra Danio is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Celebes Rainbowfish and Zebra Danio need?

Both species overlap in the 7–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Zebra Danio nip Celebes Rainbowfish's fins?

Zebra Danio is a known fin nipper. If Celebes Rainbowfish has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Zebra Danio in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.


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