Can Irian Jaya Rainbowfish and Lorentz's Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Irian Jaya Rainbowfish and Lorentz's Rainbowfish are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 150 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Irian Jaya Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia irianjaya

Lorentz's Rainbowfish

Chilatherina lorentzii

🐟Family Group
Irian Jaya Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Irian Jaya Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Irian Jaya Rainbowfish
23–28°C
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
26–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Irian Jaya Rainbowfish
6.5–8
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
7.2–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Irian Jaya Rainbowfish
5–15
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
8–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Irian Jaya Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Irian Jaya Rainbowfish
Moderate
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 150 L
Irian Jaya Rainbowfish
85 L
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
150 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Irian Jaya Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Irian Jaya Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Fry Predator
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Irian Jaya Rainbowfish 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.

Irian Jaya Rainbowfish
Lorentz's Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Irian Jaya Rainbowfish 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.

Irian Jaya Rainbowfish 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.

Worth noting: Irian Jaya Rainbowfish 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.

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 Irian Jaya Rainbowfish 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: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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 Works in Practice

Irian Jaya Rainbowfish and Lorentz's Rainbowfish work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Irian Jaya Rainbowfish and Lorentz's Rainbowfish.

Show 9 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Irian Jaya Rainbowfish and Lorentz's Rainbowfish live together?

Yes. Irian Jaya Rainbowfish and Lorentz's Rainbowfish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Irian Jaya Rainbowfish 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 Irian Jaya Rainbowfish 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 Irian Jaya Rainbowfish or Lorentz's Rainbowfish aggressive?

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

What pH do Irian Jaya Rainbowfish and Lorentz's 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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