Can Dwarf Gourami live with Lyretail Killifish?
High risk due to water mismatch, aggression, or predation.
Why Dwarf Gourami and Lyretail Killifish Don't Make an Easy Pair
There is no temperature overlap — Dwarf Gourami needs 77-82°F while Lyretail Killifish needs 72-77°F. One of them will be outside its safe range constantly, which leads to chronic stress and disease.
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
| Adult Size: | 3.5" |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Tank: | 20 gal |
| Temperature: | 77-82°F |
| pH Range: | 6.5-7.5 |
Lyretail Killifish
Aphyosemion australe
| Adult Size: | 2.5" |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Tank: | 10 gal |
| Temperature: | 72-77°F |
| pH Range: | 6.0-7.0 |
Water Parameter Overlap
| Parameter | Dwarf Gourami | Lyretail Killifish | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 77-82°F | 72-77°F | No overlap ✗ |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 | 6.0-7.0 | 0.5 ✓ |
Compatibility Breakdown
Temperament Match: peaceful + peaceful. Both peaceful → minimal conflict.
Score: 40.0/100 (GOOD ≥80, CAUTION ≥50, RISKY <50).
🔧 Tank Setup Requirements (for Both)
- Minimum tank: 20 gallons — sized for the larger fish in the pair.
- Temperature: no safe overlap range exists. A heater is not enough to fix this pairing.
- pH: maintain 6.5 – 7.0.
- Hiding spots: essential for Dwarf Gourami — caves, plants, or driftwood to retreat when feeling stressed.
- Water changes: 25% weekly minimum. Two species mean double the bioload.
🔧 Tank Stocking Calculator
Enter tank size to calculate safe stocking levels:
Recommended Equipment
Based on tank size 20+ gallons:
Beneficial bacteria for tank cycling
Explore Related Checks
See what else works with these fish:
⚠️ Common Reasons This Pairing Fails in Practice
- Zero temperature overlap: No heater setting can satisfy both species. One will be chronically stressed, leading to disease susceptibility.
- Overcrowding: Even compatible species fail in tanks that are too small. Double the species means double the bioload — 25% weekly water changes are the minimum.
- Inadequate acclimation: Adding both species on the same day without quarantine is a common mistake. Always drip-acclimate new arrivals and quarantine for 2–4 weeks.
- Mismatched feeding: Dwarf Gourami is a omnivore while Lyretail Killifish is a carnivore. Use targeted feeding zones and sinking vs. floating food to ensure both get proper nutrition.
Tools & Resources
Accuracy note: This tool uses expert rules + FishBase.org data. Individual fish behavior varies — a peaceful individual Dwarf Gourami may act differently from its species average. Always observe, quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks, and avoid overcrowding. If a pairing says CAUTION, start with a smaller group and a lid.