Can Clown Killifish and Turquoise Rainbowfish Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Clown Killifish and Turquoise Rainbowfish are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Clown Killifish

Epiplatys annulatus

Turquoise Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia lacustris

🐠Family Group
Clown Killifish
Killifish
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Clown Killifish
Peaceful (2/10)
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
23–27°C
Turquoise Rainbowfish
20–25°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
5–7
Turquoise Rainbowfish
7–9
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Clown Killifish
1–8
Turquoise Rainbowfish
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Freshwater Only
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Low
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 192 L
Clown Killifish
19 L
Turquoise Rainbowfish
160 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Clown Killifish
Top
Turquoise Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Clown Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Clown Killifish 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.

Clown Killifish and Turquoise Rainbowfish 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition.

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 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°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.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Clown Killifish needs 1–8 dGH while Turquoise Rainbowfish requires 10–25 dGH. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Clown Killifish 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 - Floating, Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - lighly covered. 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

Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Turquoise Rainbowfish is an aggressive eater that may prevent Clown Killifish from getting enough food.

Because Turquoise Rainbowfish is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Clown Killifish receives an adequate share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clown Killifish and Turquoise Rainbowfish live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Clown Killifish 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 Clown Killifish and Turquoise Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 25°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Clown Killifish or Turquoise Rainbowfish aggressive?

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

What pH do Clown Killifish and Turquoise Rainbowfish need?

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


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