Can Green Terror and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Not Recommended

Green Terror 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

Green Terror

Andinoacara rivulatus

Rachov's Killifish (Annual)

Nothobranchius rachovii

🐠Family Group
Green Terror
Cichlids - South American
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Killifish
Temperament
Green Terror
Aggressive (8/10)
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Green Terror
20–28°C
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
20–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Green Terror
6.5–8
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Green Terror
5–20
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
4–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Green Terror
Freshwater Only
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Green Terror
Moderate
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Green Terror
200 L
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Green Terror
MiddleBottom
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Green Terror
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant Destroyer
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Green Terror 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.

Green Terror
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Green Terror is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Rachov's Killifish (Annual) is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This notable difference means Green Terror may occasionally assert dominance over Rachov's Killifish (Annual).

Green Terror and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) 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..

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 20°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.0°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 5–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Green Terror and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Soil / Nutrient Rich, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Green Terror requires Sand (Sifters), while Rachov's Killifish (Annual) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich. These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Green Terror requires Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), while Rachov's Killifish (Annual) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich. These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Green Terror is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Rachov's Killifish (Annual)'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

Green Terror and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) 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 Green Terror and Rachov's Killifish (Annual).

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Green Terror and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) live together?

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

What size tank do Green Terror and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) 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 Green Terror and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 26°C. A target of around 23.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Green Terror or Rachov's Killifish (Annual) aggressive?

Green Terror is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) is generally mild-mannered (3/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Green Terror and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) 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 Green Terror's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Green Terror 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
April 28, 2026
Last updated
April 28, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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