Can Goldie River Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Goldie River Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 130 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Goldie River Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia goldiei

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi

🐟Family Group
Goldie River Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Goldie River Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Goldie River Rainbowfish
24–28°C
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
20–25°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Goldie River Rainbowfish
7–8
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
7.2–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Goldie River Rainbowfish
8–16
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
8–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Goldie River Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Goldie River Rainbowfish
Moderate
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 130 L
Goldie River Rainbowfish
130 L
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Goldie River Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Goldie River Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Fry Predator
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Jumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Goldie River Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera 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.

Goldie River Rainbowfish
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Goldie River Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera 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.

Goldie River Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera 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: Goldie River 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 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.2 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 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Goldie River Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 130 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.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered. 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 Needs Extra Planning in Practice

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Goldie River Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Goldie River Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish.

Show 9 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Goldie River Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 130 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Goldie River Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish need?

A minimum of 130 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 Goldie River Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 25°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Goldie River Rainbowfish or Lake Tebera Rainbowfish aggressive?

Goldie River Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Goldie River Rainbowfish and Lake Tebera Rainbowfish need?

Both species overlap in the 7.2–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

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

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