Can Neon Blue Goby and Norman's Lampeye Killifish Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Neon Blue Goby and Norman's Lampeye Killifish are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. They occupy different areas of the water column, which reduces competition for space. A minimum tank size of 69 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Neon Blue Goby

Stiphodon atropurpureus

Norman's Lampeye Killifish

Poropanchax normani

🐠Family Group
Neon Blue Goby
Gobies & Gudgeons
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Killifish
Temperament
Neon Blue Goby
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
22–28°C
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
6.5–7.5
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
4–12
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
Freshwater Only
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
High
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 69 L
Neon Blue Goby
57 L
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
38 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Neon Blue Goby
Bottom
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Neon Blue Goby
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator

Behaviour & Temperament

Neon Blue Goby is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Norman's Lampeye Killifish is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Neon Blue Goby may occasionally assert dominance over Norman's Lampeye Killifish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Neon Blue Goby prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Norman's Lampeye Killifish occupies the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Norman's Lampeye Killifish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Neon Blue Goby and Norman's Lampeye Killifish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 69 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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: Established Algae (Otocinclus), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Find the right tank equipment

Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Neon Blue Goby and Norman's Lampeye Killifish live together?

Yes. Neon Blue Goby and Norman's Lampeye Killifish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Neon Blue Goby and Norman's Lampeye Killifish need?

A minimum of 69 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Neon Blue Goby and Norman's Lampeye Killifish together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Neon Blue Goby or Norman's Lampeye Killifish aggressive?

Neon Blue Goby is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Norman's Lampeye Killifish is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Neon Blue Goby and Norman's Lampeye Killifish need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Neon Blue Goby's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Neon Blue Goby space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


Related Comparisons

Neon Blue Goby & Peacock Gudgeon

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Neon Blue Goby: PeacefulPeacock Gudgeon: Peaceful

Neon Blue Goby & Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)

·

🔴Not Recommended
Neon Blue Goby: PeacefulBumblebee Goby (Brackish): Peaceful

Neon Blue Goby & Empire Gudgeon

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Neon Blue Goby: PeacefulEmpire Gudgeon: Peaceful

Neon Blue Goby & Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)

·

🔴Not Recommended
Neon Blue Goby: PeacefulViolet Goby (Dragon Goby): Peaceful

Neon Blue Goby & Bala Shark

·

🔴Not Recommended
Neon Blue Goby: PeacefulBala Shark: Peaceful

Neon Blue Goby & Denison Barb (Roseline Shark)

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Neon Blue Goby: PeacefulDenison Barb (Roseline Shark): Peaceful

Norman's Lampeye Killifish & Clown Killifish

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Norman's Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulClown Killifish: Peaceful

Norman's Lampeye Killifish & Rachov's Killifish (Annual)

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Norman's Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulRachov's Killifish (Annual): Peaceful

Norman's Lampeye Killifish & Amazon Puffer

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Norman's Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulAmazon Puffer: Peaceful

Norman's Lampeye Killifish & Black Neon Tetra

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Norman's Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulBlack Neon Tetra: Peaceful

Norman's Lampeye Killifish & Boeseman's Rainbowfish

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Norman's Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulBoeseman's Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Norman's Lampeye Killifish & Congo Tetra

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Norman's Lampeye Killifish: PeacefulCongo Tetra: Peaceful