Can Neon Blue Goby and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Neon Blue Goby and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) 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 69 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Neon Blue Goby

Stiphodon atropurpureus

Rachov's Killifish (Annual)

Nothobranchius rachovii

🐠Family Group
Neon Blue Goby
Gobies & Gudgeons
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Killifish
Temperament
Neon Blue Goby
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
22–28°C
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
20–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
6.5–7.5
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
4–12
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
4–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
Freshwater Only
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Neon Blue Goby
High
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 69 L
Neon Blue Goby
57 L
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Neon Blue Goby
Bottom
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
MiddleBottom
🏷️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
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Neon Blue Goby and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) are generally mild-mannered species with an aggression score of 3/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Neon Blue Goby and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) 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: Rachov's Killifish (Annual) 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 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°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 Rachov's Killifish (Annual) 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), Soil / Nutrient Rich, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Neon Blue Goby requires Sand (Sifters), while Rachov's Killifish (Annual) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich. These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Neon Blue Goby requires Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), 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.

Neon Blue Goby prefers High (River/Stream) flow while Rachov's Killifish (Annual) needs Low (Still Water) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Find the right tank equipment

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Neon Blue Goby and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) live together?

Yes. Neon Blue Goby and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) 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 Rachov's Killifish (Annual) 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 Rachov's Killifish (Annual) together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Neon Blue Goby or Rachov's Killifish (Annual) aggressive?

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

What pH do Neon Blue Goby and Rachov's Killifish (Annual) 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

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) & Florida Flagfish

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Rachov's Killifish (Annual): PeacefulFlorida Flagfish: Peaceful

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) & Gardner's Killifish

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Rachov's Killifish (Annual): PeacefulGardner's Killifish: Peaceful

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) & Clown Killifish

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Rachov's Killifish (Annual): PeacefulClown Killifish: Peaceful

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

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Rachov's Killifish (Annual): PeacefulNorman's Lampeye Killifish: Peaceful

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) & Bolivian Ram

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Rachov's Killifish (Annual): PeacefulBolivian Ram: Peaceful

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) & Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Rachov's Killifish (Annual): PeacefulCelestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora): Peaceful