Can Chili Rasbora and Glowlight Tetra Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Chili Rasbora and Glowlight Tetra together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 40 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Chili Rasbora

Boraras brigittae

Glowlight Tetra

Hemigrammus erythrozonus

🐠Family Group
Chili Rasbora
Cyprinids
Glowlight Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Chili Rasbora
Peaceful (0/10)
Glowlight Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
24–28°C
Glowlight Tetra
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
4–7
Glowlight Tetra
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
1–10
Glowlight Tetra
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Glowlight Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
Low
Glowlight Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 40 L
Chili Rasbora
19 L
Glowlight Tetra
40 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Chili Rasbora
MiddleTop
Glowlight Tetra
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Chili Rasbora
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Glowlight Tetra
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Chili Rasbora and Glowlight Tetra?

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.

Chili Rasbora
Glowlight Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Chili Rasbora is a peaceful species (0/10), while Glowlight Tetra is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Glowlight Tetra may occasionally assert dominance over Chili Rasbora.

Chili Rasbora and Glowlight Tetra 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.

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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 5.5 and 7. 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.

Tank Setup

To house Chili Rasbora and Glowlight Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 40 litres with a minimum length of 45 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. 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.

Why This Pairing Needs Extra Planning in Practice

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Chili Rasbora and Glowlight Tetra 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Chili Rasbora and Glowlight Tetra.

Show 21 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Chili Rasbora and Glowlight Tetra live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 40 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Chili Rasbora and Glowlight Tetra need?

A minimum of 40 litres (tank length at least 45 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 Chili Rasbora and Glowlight Tetra together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Chili Rasbora or Glowlight Tetra aggressive?

Chili Rasbora is peaceful (0/10) and Glowlight Tetra is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Chili Rasbora and Glowlight Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 5.5–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
April 28, 2026
Last updated
April 28, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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