Can Red Rainbowfish and Sentani Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Red Rainbowfish and Sentani Rainbowfish 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 203 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Red Rainbowfish

Glossolepis incisus

Sentani Rainbowfish

Chilatherina sentaniensis

🐟Family Group
Red Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Sentani Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Red Rainbowfish
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Sentani Rainbowfish
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Red Rainbowfish
22–28°C
Sentani Rainbowfish
24–29°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Red Rainbowfish
7–8.5
Sentani Rainbowfish
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Red Rainbowfish
10–25
Sentani Rainbowfish
8–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Red Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Sentani Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Red Rainbowfish
Moderate
Sentani Rainbowfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 203 L
Red Rainbowfish
200 L
Sentani Rainbowfish
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Red Rainbowfish
MiddleTop
Sentani Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Red Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Fry Predator
Sentani Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Red Rainbowfish and Sentani Rainbowfish?

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.

Red Rainbowfish
Sentani Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Red Rainbowfish and Sentani Rainbowfish 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.

Red Rainbowfish and Sentani Rainbowfish both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) 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: Red Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Red Rainbowfish and Sentani Rainbowfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 203 litres with a minimum length of 120 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: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Why This Pairing Works in Practice

Red Rainbowfish and Sentani Rainbowfish work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Red Rainbowfish and Sentani Rainbowfish.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Red Rainbowfish and Sentani Rainbowfish live together?

Yes. Red Rainbowfish and Sentani Rainbowfish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Red Rainbowfish and Sentani Rainbowfish need?

A minimum of 203 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Red Rainbowfish and Sentani Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Red Rainbowfish or Sentani Rainbowfish aggressive?

Red Rainbowfish is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Sentani Rainbowfish is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Red Rainbowfish and Sentani Rainbowfish need?

Both species overlap in the 7–8 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?
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