Can Honey Blue Eye and Lorentz's Rainbowfish Live Together?

Not Recommended

Honey Blue Eye and Lorentz's Rainbowfish are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Honey Blue Eye

Pseudomugil mellis

Lorentz's Rainbowfish

Chilatherina lorentzii

🐟Family Group
Honey Blue Eye
Rainbowfish
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Honey Blue Eye
Peaceful (2/10)
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Honey Blue Eye
20–28°C
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
26–30°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Honey Blue Eye
4.5–7
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
7.2–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Honey Blue Eye
1–8
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
8–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Honey Blue Eye
Freshwater Only
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Honey Blue Eye
Low
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 150 L
Honey Blue Eye
40 L
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
150 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Honey Blue Eye
TopMiddle
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Honey Blue Eye
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Honey Blue Eye and Lorentz's 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.

Honey Blue Eye
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Honey Blue Eye and Lorentz's 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.

Honey Blue Eye and Lorentz's 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition.

Worth noting: Honey Blue Eye is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 26°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Honey Blue Eye (4.5–7) and Lorentz's Rainbowfish (7.2–8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Honey Blue Eye and Lorentz's Rainbowfish 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: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating. 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 Honey Blue Eye and Lorentz's Rainbowfish.

Show 9 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Lorentz's Rainbowfish is an aggressive eater that may prevent Honey Blue Eye from getting enough food.

Because Lorentz's Rainbowfish is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Honey Blue Eye receives an adequate share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Honey Blue Eye and Lorentz's Rainbowfish live together?

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

What size tank do Honey Blue Eye and Lorentz's Rainbowfish 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 Honey Blue Eye and Lorentz's Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 28°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Honey Blue Eye or Lorentz's Rainbowfish aggressive?

Honey Blue Eye is peaceful (2/10) and Lorentz's Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Honey Blue Eye and Lorentz's Rainbowfish need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Honey Blue Eye prefers 4.5–7, while Lorentz's Rainbowfish needs 7.2–8. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.


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