Can Dwarf Rasbora and Humpbacked Limia Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Dwarf Rasbora and Humpbacked Limia are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Dwarf Rasbora

Boraras maculatus

Humpbacked Limia

Limia nigrofasciata

🐠Family Group
Dwarf Rasbora
Cyprinids
Humpbacked Limia
Livebearers
Temperament
Dwarf Rasbora
Peaceful (1/10)
Humpbacked Limia
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Rasbora
22–28°C
Humpbacked Limia
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Dwarf Rasbora
4.5–7
Humpbacked Limia
7.2–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Rasbora
1–10
Humpbacked Limia
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Humpbacked Limia
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dwarf Rasbora
Low
Humpbacked Limia
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Dwarf Rasbora
19 L
Humpbacked Limia
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Dwarf Rasbora
Middle
Humpbacked Limia
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dwarf Rasbora
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Humpbacked Limia
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dwarf Rasbora and Humpbacked Limia?

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.

Dwarf Rasbora
Humpbacked Limia
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Behaviour & Temperament

Dwarf Rasbora is a peaceful species (1/10), while Humpbacked Limia is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Humpbacked Limia may occasionally assert dominance over Dwarf Rasbora.

Dwarf Rasbora and Humpbacked Limia 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.

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.

The pH requirements of Dwarf Rasbora (4.5–7) and Humpbacked Limia (7.2–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

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

Tank Setup

To house Dwarf Rasbora and Humpbacked Limia together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 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: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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

Dwarf Rasbora and Humpbacked Limia 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 Dwarf Rasbora and Humpbacked Limia.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dwarf Rasbora and Humpbacked Limia live together?

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

What size tank do Dwarf Rasbora and Humpbacked Limia need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Dwarf Rasbora and Humpbacked Limia 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 Dwarf Rasbora or Humpbacked Limia aggressive?

Dwarf Rasbora is peaceful (1/10) and Humpbacked Limia is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Dwarf Rasbora and Humpbacked Limia need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Dwarf Rasbora prefers 4.5–7, while Humpbacked Limia needs 7.2–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

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?
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