Can Incolicana Corydoras and Kamaka Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Incolicana Corydoras and Kamaka 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

Incolicana Corydoras

Corydoras incolicana

Kamaka Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia kamaka

🐠Family Group
Incolicana Corydoras
Catfish
Kamaka Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Incolicana Corydoras
Peaceful (1/10)
Kamaka Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Incolicana Corydoras
22–26°C
Kamaka Rainbowfish
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Incolicana Corydoras
5–7.2
Kamaka Rainbowfish
7.4–8.4
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Incolicana Corydoras
2–12
Kamaka Rainbowfish
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Incolicana Corydoras
Freshwater Only
Kamaka Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Incolicana Corydoras
Low
Kamaka Rainbowfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Incolicana Corydoras
60 L
Kamaka Rainbowfish
110 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Incolicana Corydoras
Bottom
Kamaka Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Incolicana Corydoras
Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Kamaka Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Incolicana Corydoras and Kamaka 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.

Incolicana Corydoras
Kamaka Rainbowfish
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Behaviour & Temperament

Incolicana Corydoras is a peaceful species (1/10), while Kamaka Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Kamaka Rainbowfish may occasionally assert dominance over Incolicana Corydoras.

In terms of spatial distribution, Incolicana Corydoras prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Kamaka Rainbowfish occupies the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Kamaka 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 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Incolicana Corydoras (5–7.2) and Kamaka Rainbowfish (7.4–8.4) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Incolicana Corydoras and Kamaka Rainbowfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 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: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - lighly covered. 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Incolicana Corydoras and Kamaka 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 Incolicana Corydoras and Kamaka Rainbowfish.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Incolicana Corydoras and Kamaka Rainbowfish live together?

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

What size tank do Incolicana Corydoras and Kamaka Rainbowfish need?

A minimum of 110 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 Incolicana Corydoras and Kamaka Rainbowfish together?

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

Are Incolicana Corydoras or Kamaka Rainbowfish aggressive?

Incolicana Corydoras is peaceful (1/10) and Kamaka Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Incolicana Corydoras and Kamaka Rainbowfish need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Incolicana Corydoras prefers 5–7.2, while Kamaka Rainbowfish needs 7.4–8.4. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

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?
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