Can Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Red Goldflake Shrimp Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Red Goldflake Shrimp are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi

Red Goldflake Shrimp

Caridina sp. Red Goldflake

🐠Family Group
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
20–25°C
Red Goldflake Shrimp
26–29°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
7.2–8
Red Goldflake Shrimp
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
8–15
Red Goldflake Shrimp
4–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Moderate
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
110 L
Red Goldflake Shrimp
38 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
MiddleTop
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Jumper (Lid Required)
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Red Goldflake Shrimp?

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.

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Red Goldflake Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Lake Tebera Rainbowfish may occasionally assert dominance over Red Goldflake Shrimp.

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

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: Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

There is no temperature overlap between Lake Tebera Rainbowfish (20–25°C) and Red Goldflake Shrimp (26–29°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 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 8–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Red Goldflake Shrimp 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: Plants - Densely covered, Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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 Usually Fails in Practice

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Red Goldflake Shrimp 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 Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Red Goldflake Shrimp.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is an aggressive eater that may prevent Red Goldflake Shrimp from getting enough food.

Because Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Red Goldflake Shrimp receives an adequate share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Red Goldflake Shrimp live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Red Goldflake Shrimp 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 Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Red Goldflake Shrimp together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Lake Tebera Rainbowfish requires 20–25°C, while Red Goldflake Shrimp needs 26–29°C.

Are Lake Tebera Rainbowfish or Red Goldflake Shrimp aggressive?

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Red Goldflake Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Red Goldflake Shrimp need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–8 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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