Killifish are beautiful and captivating aquarium fish, known for their vibrant colors and unique behavior. However, finding the right tank mates for killifish can sometimes be tricky, as they need peaceful, compatible companions that won’t stress or harm them. In this article, we’ll explore the best tank mates for killifish, taking into consideration their size, temperament, and water requirements to ensure a peaceful community aquarium.
1. Peaceful Community Fish
When choosing tank mates for killifish, it’s important to select species that are peaceful and won’t compete for resources or stress the killifish. Here are some great choices:
1.1. Corydoras Catfish
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Temperament: Peaceful and social
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Size: Small (2-3 inches)
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Water Conditions: Similar to killifish; prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH and soft to moderate water hardness.
Corydoras catfish are peaceful bottom dwellers that do well in community tanks. They help keep the substrate clean by scavenging leftover food, and their gentle nature makes them an excellent choice to pair with killifish.
1.2. Neon Tetras
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Temperament: Peaceful and active
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Size: Small (1.5 inches)
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Water Conditions: Slightly acidic to neutral pH, soft to moderately hard water.
Neon tetras are colorful and active fish that won’t compete with killifish for space or food. Their small size and peaceful nature make them great tank mates for killifish, and they add a pop of color to your aquarium.
1.3. Zebra Danios
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Temperament: Active but peaceful
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Size: Small (2 inches)
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Water Conditions: Similar to killifish; tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and water hardness.
Zebra danios are hardy, easygoing fish that thrive in various water conditions, making them an excellent tank mate for killifish. They’re fast swimmers, but their peaceful nature ensures that they won’t bother the more sedate killifish.
1.4. Guppies
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Temperament: Peaceful and social
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Size: Small (2-3 inches)
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Water Conditions: Neutral to slightly alkaline pH, soft to moderately hard water.
Guppies are small, colorful, and non-aggressive. Their lively personalities and ability to adapt to a range of water conditions make them compatible with killifish. However, be aware that guppies are prolific breeders, so you might want to keep males only to avoid an overpopulation of fry.
2. Non-Competing Surface Swimmers
Killifish are typically surface dwellers, so pairing them with other species that inhabit different areas of the tank can minimize competition. Here are a few good options:
2.1. Cherry Shrimp
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Temperament: Peaceful and scavengers
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Size: Tiny (1.5 inches)
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Water Conditions: Slightly acidic to neutral pH, soft to moderately hard water.
Cherry shrimp are excellent companions for killifish, as they are peaceful and rarely interfere with other species. They help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food and algae. Their small size and peaceful nature make them a perfect addition to a killifish tank.
2.2. Small Rasboras (e.g., Harlequin Rasbora)
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Temperament: Peaceful and schooling
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Size: Small (1.5 inches)
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Water Conditions: Slightly acidic to neutral pH, soft to moderately hard water.
Harlequin rasboras are peaceful and enjoy schooling with others of their kind. They tend to swim mid-level in the tank, reducing competition for space with killifish. Their calm temperament and bright colors make them a great tank mate for killifish.
2.3. Otocinclus Catfish
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Temperament: Peaceful and shy
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Size: Small (1.5 inches)
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Water Conditions: Slightly acidic to neutral pH, soft to moderately hard water.
Otocinclus catfish are great algae-eaters and peaceful, shy fish that will not compete with killifish. They do well in groups and help keep the aquarium clean by grazing on algae and organic matter. These fish typically stay near the bottom and the sides of the tank, leaving plenty of space for killifish to swim in the upper levels.
3. Other Peaceful Fish to Consider
3.1. Small Gouramis (e.g., Honey Gourami)
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Temperament: Peaceful but can be a little territorial during breeding
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Size: Small (2-3 inches)
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Water Conditions: Neutral to slightly acidic pH, soft to moderately hard water.
Small gouramis, like honey gouramis, are peaceful and easy to care for. They usually stay near the surface of the tank, but their peaceful nature and small size make them good companions for killifish. Just ensure that there are enough hiding spaces to prevent territorial behavior during breeding.
3.2. Endlers Livebearers
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Temperament: Peaceful and social
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Size: Tiny (1.5 inches)
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Water Conditions: Neutral to slightly alkaline pH, soft to moderately hard water.
Endlers livebearers are a colorful and peaceful species that share similar water requirements with killifish. They are active swimmers and are well-suited for a community tank. They can sometimes breed prolifically, so it’s best to keep males only if you don’t want an overabundance of fry.
3.3. Small Plecos (e.g., Bristlenose Pleco)
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Temperament: Peaceful and nocturnal
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Size: Medium (4-5 inches)
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Water Conditions: Slightly acidic to neutral pH, soft to moderately hard water.
Bristlenose plecos are peaceful, algae-eating fish that will rarely interfere with killifish. They tend to be nocturnal and spend most of their time hiding during the day. Their algae-eating habits help keep the tank clean, making them a good option for keeping with killifish.
4. Tank Mates to Avoid
While many fish can live harmoniously with killifish, there are also some species that you should avoid:
4.1. Aggressive Fish
Species like cichlids, large barbs, and certain types of tetras (e.g., the larger types) may harass or bully killifish, especially during breeding periods.
4.2. Fin-Nipping Species
Fish that are known to nip at fins (e.g., some species of tetras, sharks, and larger barbs) can stress killifish and damage their delicate fins.
4.3. Large Fish
Larger fish, such as bettas, goldfish, or large gouramis, may see killifish as potential prey or simply outcompete them for food and space.
5. Conclusion
Choosing the right tank mates for your killifish is crucial for creating a peaceful and thriving community aquarium. Peaceful species like Corydoras catfish, neon tetras, and cherry shrimp make excellent companions for killifish, as they share similar water requirements and do not compete aggressively. Avoid species that are aggressive, fin-nipping, or too large, as they can cause stress or harm to your killifish. By selecting compatible tank mates, you can ensure a harmonious environment where all your fish can flourish.
