Can Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sterba's Corydoras Live Together?

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Sterba's Corydoras is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Rachov's Killifish (Annual) may occasionally assert dominance over Sterba's Corydoras.

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sterba's Corydoras 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.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 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.

To house Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Sterba's Corydoras together, plan for an aquarium of at least 90 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: Soil / Nutrient Rich, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

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