Can Malaya Shrimp and Ogilby's Rainbowfish Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Malaya Shrimp and Ogilby's Rainbowfish are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 110 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Malaya Shrimp

Caridina sp. "Malaya"

Ogilby's Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia ogilbyi

🐠Family Group
Malaya Shrimp
Invertebrates
Ogilby's Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Malaya Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Ogilby's Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Malaya Shrimp
22–28°C
Ogilby's Rainbowfish
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Malaya Shrimp
6.8–7.8
Ogilby's Rainbowfish
7–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Malaya Shrimp
4–12
Ogilby's Rainbowfish
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Malaya Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Ogilby's Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Malaya Shrimp
Low
Ogilby's Rainbowfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Malaya Shrimp
19 L
Ogilby's Rainbowfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Malaya Shrimp
MiddleBottom
Ogilby's Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Malaya Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Ogilby's Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Malaya Shrimp and Ogilby's 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.

Malaya Shrimp
Ogilby's Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Malaya Shrimp is a peaceful species (0/10), while Ogilby's Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Ogilby's Rainbowfish may occasionally assert dominance over Malaya Shrimp.

Malaya Shrimp and Ogilby's Rainbowfish 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.

Worth noting: Ogilby's 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 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7.8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Malaya Shrimp and Ogilby's Rainbowfish 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, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Floating. 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Malaya Shrimp and Ogilby's Rainbowfish.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Malaya Shrimp and Ogilby's Rainbowfish live together?

Yes. Malaya Shrimp and Ogilby's Rainbowfish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Malaya Shrimp and Ogilby's Rainbowfish 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 Malaya Shrimp and Ogilby's Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Malaya Shrimp or Ogilby's Rainbowfish aggressive?

Malaya Shrimp is peaceful (0/10) and Ogilby's Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Malaya Shrimp and Ogilby's Rainbowfish need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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