Can Electric Blue Hap and Threadfin Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Electric Blue Hap and Threadfin Rainbowfish are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and 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 Hap

Sciaenochromis fryeri

Threadfin Rainbowfish

Iriatherina werneri

🐠Family Group
Electric Blue Hap
Cichlids - African
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Electric Blue Hap
Aggressive (7/10)
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Hap
24–28°C
Threadfin Rainbowfish
23–29°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Electric Blue Hap
7.8–8.6
Threadfin Rainbowfish
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Hap
10–25
Threadfin Rainbowfish
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Hap
Freshwater Only
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Hap
Moderate
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Electric Blue Hap
200 L
Threadfin Rainbowfish
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Electric Blue Hap
MiddleBottom
Threadfin Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Electric Blue Hap
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Fry PredatorAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Electric Blue Hap and Threadfin 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.

Electric Blue Hap
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Electric Blue Hap is a semi-aggressive species (7/10), while Threadfin Rainbowfish is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Electric Blue Hap may occasionally assert dominance over Threadfin Rainbowfish.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Electric Blue Hap and Threadfin Rainbowfish increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Electric Blue Hap and Threadfin Rainbowfish both frequent the 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.

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: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Threadfin Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Electric Blue Hap (7.8–8.6) and Threadfin Rainbowfish (5.5–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Electric Blue Hap and Threadfin Rainbowfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Electric Blue Hap and Threadfin Rainbowfish 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 Hap and Threadfin Rainbowfish.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Electric Blue Hap and Threadfin Rainbowfish live together?

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

What size tank do Electric Blue Hap and Threadfin Rainbowfish need?

A minimum of 200 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 Electric Blue Hap and Threadfin Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Electric Blue Hap or Threadfin Rainbowfish aggressive?

Electric Blue Hap is semi-aggressive (7/10) and Threadfin Rainbowfish 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 Hap and Threadfin Rainbowfish need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Electric Blue Hap prefers 7.8–8.6, while Threadfin Rainbowfish needs 5.5–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

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

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