Can Brilliant Rasbora and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) Live Together?

Brilliant Rasbora is a peaceful species (1/10), while Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is semi-aggressive (8/10). This notable difference means Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) may occasionally assert dominance over Brilliant Rasbora.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Brilliant Rasbora and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Brilliant Rasbora and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition.

Worth noting: Brilliant Rasbora is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

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

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 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 2–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Brilliant Rasbora and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 15000 litres with a minimum length of 600 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Brilliant Rasbora prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Brilliant Rasbora and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is an aggressive eater that may prevent Brilliant Rasbora from getting enough food.

Because Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Brilliant Rasbora receives an adequate share.