Can Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) and Red Devil Cichlid Live Together?

Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) is a peaceful species (1/10), while Red Devil Cichlid is highly aggressive (10/10). This notable difference means Red Devil Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora).

Large aggression gap (9 points) between Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) and Red Devil Cichlid increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) and Red Devil Cichlid 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 Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

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 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 6–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) and Red Devil Cichlid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 280 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: Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Red Devil Cichlid is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)'s requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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

Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) and Red Devil Cichlid 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.