Can Discus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Discus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Discus

Symphysodon aequifasciatus

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)

Microdevario kubotai

🐠Family Group
Discus
Cichlids - South American
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Cyprinids
Temperament
Discus
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Discus
28–32°C
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
20–27°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Discus
5–7.5
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Discus
1–12
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
2–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Discus
Freshwater Only
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Discus
Low
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 250 L
Discus
250 L
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Discus
MiddleBottom
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Discus
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesShrimp Eater
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Discus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)?

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.

Discus
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Discus is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Discus may occasionally assert dominance over Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Discus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) 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. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

There is no temperature overlap between Discus (28–32°C) and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) (20–27°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

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 2–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Discus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 250 litres with a minimum length of 120 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), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Plants - lighly covered. 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 Usually Fails in Practice

Discus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Discus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Show 1 more tank size

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Discus is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Discus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Discus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) need?

A minimum of 250 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Discus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Discus requires 28–32°C, while Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) needs 20–27°C.

Are Discus or Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) aggressive?

Discus is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Discus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) need?

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

How do I manage Discus's territorial behaviour?

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

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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