Can Abei Puffer and Emerald Eye Rasbora Live Together?

Not Recommended

Abei Puffer and Emerald Eye Rasbora are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Abei Puffer

Pao abei

Emerald Eye Rasbora

Brevibora dorsiocellata

🐠Family Group
Abei Puffer
Puffers
Emerald Eye Rasbora
Cyprinids
Temperament
Abei Puffer
Highly Aggressive (9/10)
Emerald Eye Rasbora
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Abei Puffer
24–28Β°C
Emerald Eye Rasbora
20–26Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Abei Puffer
6–7.8
Emerald Eye Rasbora
5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Abei Puffer
5–15
Emerald Eye Rasbora
1–10
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Abei Puffer
Freshwater Only
Emerald Eye Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Abei Puffer
Low
Emerald Eye Rasbora
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 114 L
Abei Puffer
114 L
Emerald Eye Rasbora
55 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Abei Puffer
MiddleBottom
Emerald Eye Rasbora
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Abei Puffer
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterSnail EaterFin NipperGenerally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)
Emerald Eye Rasbora
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Abei Puffer and Emerald Eye Rasbora?

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.

Abei Puffer
Emerald Eye Rasbora
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Abei Puffer is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while Emerald Eye Rasbora is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Abei Puffer may occasionally assert dominance over Emerald Eye Rasbora.

Large aggression gap (8 points) between Abei Puffer and Emerald Eye Rasbora increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Abei Puffer and Emerald Eye Rasbora both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other β€” piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 26Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Abei Puffer and Emerald Eye Rasbora together, plan for an aquarium of at least 114 litres with a minimum length of 80 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: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Abei Puffer and Emerald Eye Rasbora.

Show 11 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Abei Puffer is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Emerald Eye Rasbora.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Abei Puffer and Emerald Eye Rasbora live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities β€” such as critical behavioural conflicts β€” make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Abei Puffer and Emerald Eye Rasbora need?

A minimum of 114 litres (tank length at least 80 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 Abei Puffer and Emerald Eye Rasbora together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 26Β°C. A target of around 25.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Abei Puffer or Emerald Eye Rasbora aggressive?

Abei Puffer is highly aggressive (9/10) and Emerald Eye Rasbora is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Abei Puffer and Emerald Eye Rasbora need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Abei Puffer nip Emerald Eye Rasbora's fins?

Abei Puffer is a known fin nipper. If Emerald Eye Rasbora has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Abei Puffer in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

How do I manage Abei Puffer's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Abei Puffer space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding dΓ©cor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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