Can Dusky Millions Fish and Murray River Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Dusky Millions Fish and Murray River 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 110 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Dusky Millions Fish

Phalloceros caudimaculatus

Murray River Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia fluviatilis

🐠Family Group
Dusky Millions Fish
Livebearers
Murray River Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Dusky Millions Fish
Peaceful (2/10)
Murray River Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
16–24°C
Murray River Rainbowfish
20–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
7–8
Murray River Rainbowfish
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
8–20
Murray River Rainbowfish
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
Brackish Tolerant
Murray River Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
Low
Murray River Rainbowfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Dusky Millions Fish
40 L
Murray River Rainbowfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Dusky Millions Fish
TopMiddle
Murray River Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dusky Millions Fish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerPlant DestroyerFin Nipper
Murray River Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dusky Millions Fish and Murray River Rainbowfish?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Dusky Millions Fish
Murray River Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Dusky Millions Fish and Murray River 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.

Dusky Millions Fish and Murray River 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: Murray River Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 20°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 22.0°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 8–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Dusky Millions Fish and Murray River Rainbowfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 90 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

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 - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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.

Why This Pairing Works in Practice

Dusky Millions Fish and Murray River Rainbowfish work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Dusky Millions Fish and Murray River Rainbowfish.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dusky Millions Fish and Murray River Rainbowfish live together?

Yes. Dusky Millions Fish and Murray River Rainbowfish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Dusky Millions Fish and Murray River Rainbowfish need?

A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Dusky Millions Fish and Murray River Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 24°C. A target of around 22.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Dusky Millions Fish or Murray River Rainbowfish aggressive?

Dusky Millions Fish is peaceful (2/10) and Murray River Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Dusky Millions Fish and Murray River Rainbowfish 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 Dusky Millions Fish nip Murray River Rainbowfish's fins?

Dusky Millions Fish is a known fin nipper. If Murray River Rainbowfish has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Dusky Millions Fish in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

Related Comparisons

Dusky Millions Fish & Balloon Molly

·

Possible with Caution
Dusky Millions Fish: PeacefulBalloon Molly: Peaceful

Dusky Millions Fish & Guppy

·

Possible with Caution
Dusky Millions Fish: PeacefulGuppy: Peaceful

Dusky Millions Fish & Least Killifish (Heterandria)

·

Possible with Caution
Dusky Millions Fish: PeacefulLeast Killifish (Heterandria): Peaceful

Dusky Millions Fish & Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)

·

Possible with Caution
Dusky Millions Fish: PeacefulMolly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian): Peaceful

Dusky Millions Fish & Platy

·

Possible with Caution
Dusky Millions Fish: PeacefulPlaty: Peaceful

Dusky Millions Fish & Sailfin Molly

·

Possible with Caution
Dusky Millions Fish: PeacefulSailfin Molly: Peaceful

Murray River Rainbowfish & Ajamaru Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Murray River Rainbowfish: PeacefulAjamaru Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Murray River Rainbowfish & Allen's Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Murray River Rainbowfish: PeacefulAllen's Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Murray River Rainbowfish & Angfa Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Murray River Rainbowfish: PeacefulAngfa Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Murray River Rainbowfish & Axelrod's Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Murray River Rainbowfish: PeacefulAxelrod's Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Murray River Rainbowfish & Barred Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Murray River Rainbowfish: PeacefulBarred Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Murray River Rainbowfish & Batanta Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Murray River Rainbowfish: PeacefulBatanta Rainbowfish: Peaceful