Can Malawi Eyebiter and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) Live Together?

Malawi Eyebiter is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Rachov's Killifish (Annual) is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This notable difference means Malawi Eyebiter may occasionally assert dominance over Rachov's Killifish (Annual).

Malawi Eyebiter and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) both frequent the 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.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Worth noting: Malawi Eyebiter is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Malawi Eyebiter (7.8–8.6) and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) (6–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Malawi Eyebiter and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 475 litres with a minimum length of 150 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: Sand (Sifters), Plants - Densely covered, Soil / Nutrient Rich, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Malawi Eyebiter requires Sand (Sifters), while Rachov's Killifish (Annual) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich. These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Malawi Eyebiter and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) 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.