Can Freshwater Angelfish and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) Live Together?

Not Recommended

Freshwater Angelfish and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) 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

Freshwater Angelfish

Pterophyllum scalare

Rachov's Killifish (Annual)

Nothobranchius rachovii

🐠Family Group
Freshwater Angelfish
Cichlids - South American
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Killifish
Temperament
Freshwater Angelfish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Freshwater Angelfish
24–30Β°C
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
20–26Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Freshwater Angelfish
6–7.8
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Freshwater Angelfish
3–15
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
4–12
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Freshwater Angelfish
Freshwater Only
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Freshwater Angelfish
Low
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 150 L
Freshwater Angelfish
150 L
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Freshwater Angelfish
MiddleTop
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Freshwater Angelfish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Fin Nipper
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Freshwater Angelfish and Rachov's Killifish (Annual)?

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.

Freshwater Angelfish
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Freshwater Angelfish is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Rachov's Killifish (Annual) is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Freshwater Angelfish may occasionally assert dominance over Rachov's Killifish (Annual).

Freshwater Angelfish and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) 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 β€” 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: Rachov's Killifish (Annual) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 26Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 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 4–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Freshwater Angelfish and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 150 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, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - lighly covered, Soil / Nutrient Rich, 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Freshwater Angelfish and Rachov's Killifish (Annual).

Show 9 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Freshwater Angelfish is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Rachov's Killifish (Annual).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Freshwater Angelfish and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) live together?

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

What size tank do Freshwater Angelfish and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) need?

A minimum of 150 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 Freshwater Angelfish and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 26Β°C. A target of around 25.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Freshwater Angelfish or Rachov's Killifish (Annual) aggressive?

Freshwater Angelfish is moderately assertive (6/10) and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Freshwater Angelfish and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Freshwater Angelfish nip Rachov's Killifish (Annual)'s fins?

Freshwater Angelfish is a known fin nipper. If Rachov's Killifish (Annual) has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Freshwater Angelfish in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

How do I manage Freshwater Angelfish's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Freshwater Angelfish space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding dΓ©cor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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