GouramiGirl1221

Is it okay/advised/a good idea to have more than one school of rainbows in the same tank? I've got the stocking room, and after only getting 2 I'd love to have more. If the species matters, I've currently got a couple Boesemani and I'd like to get new guinea or turquoise.

And may I just say how much I LOVE my boesemani rainbows!!! They're not even schooling yet since there's only two of them (I'm waiting for my LFS to get another shipment in), but they are soooo cute. I was hesitant at first because they're so expensive, but I'm so glad I got them.

mathas

Adrian Tappan's rainbowfish website says the following on the introduction page:
There is also a display tank at one of my local fish stores that features at least four rainbowfish species, and I never see any fighting amongst them when I watch.

capekate

Hi Katie
I agree, the Boe's rainbow are wonderful fish. I love all the rainbows and have had quite a few different kinds during the life of my tanks. They do love to be in groups and glad to hear you will be getting more of the boe's.
They are fine mixed and I see no problems with adding different species of rainbows in your tank. What size tank is this? They do like a lot of swimming area and they get large! At least 5 inches for most rainbow species except the threadfin and the turquoise may not get as large either. Two of my three rainbows are now at the 5 inch mark and are so much fun to watch in the tank.
Best of luck with yours

GouramiGirl1221

It's in my 75 gallon, so they'll have plenty of room. I was under the impression the boe's would stay about 3 inches though? If they get that large, I'll have to re-think getting two schools...

Shaina

Temperament-wise they should be fine, however, most credible sources I have seen advise against mixing species in a tank because they can easily interbreed, creating hybrid fish.

capekate

very true Shaina and good advice. Especially if one wants to sell the offspring, they will be a hybrid and no one will want to buy them. Other than that, with the other fish in the tank, they may not have to worry about the fry.

Katie,
on the size of the fish, the Boesemans can get to 4.5 inches, but they are usually smaller.