Can Clown Killifish and Dwarf Gourami Live Together?
Yes, Clown Killifish and Dwarf Gourami 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 60 litres is recommended.
At a Glance
Behaviour & Temperament
Clown Killifish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Dwarf Gourami is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Dwarf Gourami may occasionally assert dominance over Clown Killifish.
Clown Killifish and Dwarf Gourami both frequent the Top (Surface) 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: Clown Killifish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 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 4–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.
Tank Setup
To house Clown Killifish and Dwarf Gourami together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 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 - Floating, Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Find the right tank equipment
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Clown Killifish and Dwarf Gourami live together?▾
Yes. Clown Killifish and Dwarf Gourami are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.
What size tank do Clown Killifish and Dwarf Gourami need?▾
A minimum of 60 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 Clown Killifish and Dwarf Gourami together?▾
Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Clown Killifish or Dwarf Gourami aggressive?▾
Clown Killifish is peaceful (2/10) and Dwarf Gourami is moderately assertive (5/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Clown Killifish and Dwarf Gourami need?▾
Both species overlap in the 6–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
How do I manage Dwarf Gourami's territorial behaviour?▾
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Dwarf Gourami 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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