Can Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Silver Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Silver Rainbowfish together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 200 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi

Silver Rainbowfish

Chilatherina crassispinosa

🐟Family Group
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Silver Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Silver Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
20–25°C
Silver Rainbowfish
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
7.2–8
Silver Rainbowfish
7.2–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
8–15
Silver Rainbowfish
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Silver Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Moderate
Silver Rainbowfish
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
110 L
Silver Rainbowfish
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
MiddleTop
Silver Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Jumper (Lid Required)
Silver Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Silver 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.

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish
Silver Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Silver 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.

Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Silver Rainbowfish both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) 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: Lake Tebera 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 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°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 Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Silver Rainbowfish 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.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - lighly covered. 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 Needs Extra Planning in Practice

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Silver Rainbowfish need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Silver Rainbowfish.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Silver Rainbowfish live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 200 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Silver Rainbowfish 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 Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Silver Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 25°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Lake Tebera Rainbowfish or Silver Rainbowfish aggressive?

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

What pH do Lake Tebera Rainbowfish and Silver 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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