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Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Ember Tetra live with Rainbow cichlid?

VerdictRISKY

Risky. This mix is commonly discouraged for typical setups.

Ember Tetra + Rainbow cichlid: Rainbow cichlid may eat Ember Tetra. Rainbow cichlid (12cm) is predatory and Ember Tetra (2cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe. Real tanks add variables Fishori cannot model; treat this as a high-risk read, not certainty.

Compatibility score

30/100

Profile confidence: medium

Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.

Min tank

200L

Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 200L (larger active fish often want more length).

Temperature
Range in °C2228°C shared
Ember TetraRainbow cichlidShared window
pH
Range77 shared
Ember TetraRainbow cichlidShared window
Size / predation

Rainbow cichlid (12cm adult) may treat small Ember Tetra (~2cm) as food once grown — plan adult sizes, not shop sizes.

Assessment details

  1. Compatible temperaments

    Both Ember Tetra and Rainbow cichlid share a peaceful temperament.

  2. Rainbow cichlid may eat Ember Tetra

    Top issue

    Rainbow cichlid (12cm) is predatory and Ember Tetra (2cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe.

  3. Compatible temperature range

    Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.

  4. Narrow pH overlap

    These fish can share water but their ideal pH ranges overlap only slightly. Aim to keep pH stable in the shared range.

Rainbow cichlid (12cm) is predatory and Ember Tetra (2cm) is…

Rainbow cichlid may eat Ember Tetra

Next steps

Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.

  • Ember Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.

Try instead

  • Ember Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.
  • Build a species-only tank for the larger fish, or restock with fish too large to be eaten at adult sizes.
Sources from both profiles
Only URLs that exist on the species records are shown. We do not fabricate citations.

Try this next

Build the full stocking list with Ember Tetra + Rainbow cichlid

Plan further

Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.

Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.

Profile data confidence: high. Based on multiple reputable aquarium care sources with strong agreement.