Can Finger Fish and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Finger Fish and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types and incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Finger Fish

Monodactylus argenteus

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)

Microdevario kubotai

🐠Family Group
Finger Fish
Oddballs
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Cyprinids
Temperament
Finger Fish
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Finger Fish
24–28°C
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
20–27°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Finger Fish
7.5–8.5
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Finger Fish
12–30
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
2–10
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Finger Fish
Brackish Required
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Finger Fish
Moderate
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 470 L
Finger Fish
470 L
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Finger Fish
Middle
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Finger Fish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperPlant DestroyerAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Finger Fish 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.

Finger Fish
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Finger Fish is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Finger Fish may occasionally assert dominance over Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Finger Fish 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.

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

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Finger Fish needs 12–30 dGH while Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) requires 2–10 dGH.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

Tank Setup

To house Finger Fish and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 470 litres with a minimum length of 150 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: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - lighly covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Finger Fish is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)'s requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Finger Fish 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 Finger Fish and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Finger Fish and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.

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

A minimum of 470 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Finger Fish and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Finger Fish or Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) aggressive?

Finger Fish is moderately assertive (5/10) and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

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

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

Will Finger Fish nip Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)'s fins?

Finger Fish is a known fin nipper. If Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Finger Fish in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

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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