Can Lyretail Killifish and Red Goldflake Shrimp Live Together?

Lyretail Killifish is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Red Goldflake Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Lyretail Killifish may occasionally assert dominance over Red Goldflake Shrimp.

In terms of spatial distribution, Lyretail Killifish prefers the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) 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.

Worth noting: Lyretail Killifish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 26°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Lyretail Killifish (5.5–7) and Red Goldflake Shrimp (7.5–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Lyretail Killifish and Red Goldflake Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 38 litres with a minimum length of 45 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, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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.

Lyretail Killifish 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.