Can Leggett's Rainbowfish and Mountain Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Leggett's Rainbowfish and Mountain Rainbowfish 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

Leggett's Rainbowfish

Glossolepis leggetti

Mountain Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia monticola

🐟Family Group
Leggett's Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Mountain Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Leggett's Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Mountain Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Leggett's Rainbowfish
25–30°C
Mountain Rainbowfish
17–24°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Leggett's Rainbowfish
6.5–8.4
Mountain Rainbowfish
7.4–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Leggett's Rainbowfish
5–18
Mountain Rainbowfish
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Leggett's Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Mountain Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Leggett's Rainbowfish
Moderate
Mountain Rainbowfish
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 150 L
Leggett's Rainbowfish
150 L
Mountain Rainbowfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Leggett's Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Mountain Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Leggett's Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry PredatorAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Mountain Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Leggett's Rainbowfish and Mountain 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.

Leggett's Rainbowfish
Mountain Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Leggett's Rainbowfish and Mountain 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.

Leggett's Rainbowfish and Mountain 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: Leggett's Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

There is no temperature overlap between Leggett's Rainbowfish (25–30°C) and Mountain Rainbowfish (17–24°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.4 and 8.4. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–18 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Leggett's Rainbowfish and Mountain 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, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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

Leggett's Rainbowfish and Mountain 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 Leggett's Rainbowfish and Mountain Rainbowfish.

Show 9 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Leggett's Rainbowfish and Mountain Rainbowfish live together?

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

What size tank do Leggett's Rainbowfish and Mountain 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 Leggett's Rainbowfish and Mountain Rainbowfish together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Leggett's Rainbowfish requires 25–30°C, while Mountain Rainbowfish needs 17–24°C.

Are Leggett's Rainbowfish or Mountain Rainbowfish aggressive?

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

What pH do Leggett's Rainbowfish and Mountain Rainbowfish need?

Both species overlap in the 7.4–8.4 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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