Can Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sailfin Molly Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sailfin Molly are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Rachov's Killifish (Annual)

Nothobranchius rachovii

Sailfin Molly

Poecilia latipinna

🐠Family Group
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Killifish
Sailfin Molly
Livebearers
Temperament
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Sailfin Molly
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
20–26°C
Sailfin Molly
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
6–7.5
Sailfin Molly
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
4–12
Sailfin Molly
15–30
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Freshwater Only
Sailfin Molly
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Low
Sailfin Molly
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
19 L
Sailfin Molly
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
MiddleBottom
Sailfin Molly
TopMiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Sailfin Molly
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry PredatorAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sailfin Molly?

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.

Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Sailfin Molly
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sailfin Molly 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.

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sailfin Molly both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and 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 7.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Rachov's Killifish (Annual) needs 4–12 dGH while Sailfin Molly requires 15–30 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sailfin Molly together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 80 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: Soil / Nutrient Rich, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sailfin Molly 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sailfin Molly.

Show 12 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sailfin Molly live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sailfin Molly need?

A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 80 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 Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sailfin Molly 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 Rachov's Killifish (Annual) or Sailfin Molly aggressive?

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

What pH do Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sailfin Molly need?

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

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

Related Comparisons

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) & Florida Flagfish

·

Possible with Caution
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) & Largereye Lampeye Killifish

·

Possible with Caution
Rachov's Killifish (Annual): PeacefulLargereye Lampeye Killifish: Peaceful

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) & Lyretail Killifish

·

Possible with Caution
Rachov's Killifish (Annual): PeacefulLyretail 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

Sailfin Molly & Least Killifish (Heterandria)

·

Possible with Caution
Sailfin Molly: PeacefulLeast Killifish (Heterandria): Peaceful

Sailfin Molly & Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Sailfin Molly: PeacefulMolly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian): Peaceful

Sailfin Molly & Platy

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Sailfin Molly: PeacefulPlaty: Peaceful

Sailfin Molly & Swordtail

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Sailfin Molly: PeacefulSwordtail: Peaceful

Sailfin Molly & Balloon Molly

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Sailfin Molly: PeacefulBalloon Molly: Peaceful

Sailfin Molly & Dusky Millions Fish

·

Possible with Caution
Sailfin Molly: PeacefulDusky Millions Fish: Peaceful