Can Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Striped Raphael Catfish Live Together?

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Striped Raphael Catfish is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Rachov's Killifish (Annual) may occasionally assert dominance over Striped Raphael Catfish.

Rachov's Killifish (Annual) and Striped Raphael Catfish 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.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Striped Raphael Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, 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 Striped Raphael Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 240 litres with a minimum length of 120 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Rachov's Killifish (Annual) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich, while Striped Raphael Catfish 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.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Striped Raphael Catfish is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Rachov's Killifish (Annual).