Can Electric Blue Crayfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Electric Blue Crayfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Electric Blue Crayfish

Procambarus alleni

Norman's Lampeye Killifish

Poropanchax normani

🐠Family Group
Electric Blue Crayfish
Invertebrates
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Killifish
Temperament
Electric Blue Crayfish
Aggressive (8/10)
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Crayfish
18–25°C
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Crayfish
6.5–8.5
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Crayfish
6–15
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Crayfish
Freshwater Only
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Crayfish
Moderate
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Electric Blue Crayfish
75 L
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
38 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Electric Blue Crayfish
Bottom
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Electric Blue Crayfish
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Plant DestroyerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)Shrimp EaterSnail EaterPiscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Electric Blue Crayfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish?

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.

Electric Blue Crayfish
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Electric Blue Crayfish is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Norman's Lampeye Killifish is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Electric Blue Crayfish may occasionally assert dominance over Norman's Lampeye Killifish.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Electric Blue Crayfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Electric Blue Crayfish prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Norman's Lampeye Killifish occupies the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Electric Blue Crayfish 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 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 6–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Electric Blue Crayfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 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: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Electric Blue Crayfish is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Norman's Lampeye Killifish's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Electric Blue Crayfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Electric Blue Crayfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Electric Blue Crayfish is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Norman's Lampeye Killifish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Electric Blue Crayfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish live together?

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

What size tank do Electric Blue Crayfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish need?

A minimum of 75 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 Electric Blue Crayfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish 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 Electric Blue Crayfish or Norman's Lampeye Killifish aggressive?

Electric Blue Crayfish is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Norman's Lampeye Killifish is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Electric Blue Crayfish and Norman's Lampeye Killifish need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Electric Blue Crayfish's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Electric Blue Crayfish 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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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