Can Freshwater Flounder and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

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


At a Glance

Freshwater Flounder

Trinectes maculatus

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)

Microdevario kubotai

🐠Family Group
Freshwater Flounder
Oddballs
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Cyprinids
Temperament
Freshwater Flounder
Peaceful (2/10)
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Freshwater Flounder
20–26°C
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
20–27°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Freshwater Flounder
7.5–8.5
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Freshwater Flounder
10–25
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
2–10
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Freshwater Flounder
Brackish Required
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Freshwater Flounder
Moderate
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Freshwater Flounder
110 L
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
38 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Freshwater Flounder
Bottom
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Freshwater Flounder
NocturnalDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Freshwater Flounder 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.

Freshwater Flounder
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Freshwater Flounder is a peaceful species (2/10), while Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Freshwater Flounder may occasionally assert dominance over Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

In terms of spatial distribution, Freshwater Flounder prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) occupies the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

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: Freshwater Flounder is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, 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 20°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.0°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.

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

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 Freshwater Flounder and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 90 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), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - lighly covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Freshwater Flounder 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 Freshwater Flounder and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Show 10 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Freshwater Flounder 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 Freshwater Flounder and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) need?

A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Freshwater Flounder and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 26°C. A target of around 23.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Freshwater Flounder or Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) aggressive?

Freshwater Flounder is peaceful (2/10) and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Freshwater Flounder 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.

Does Freshwater Flounder being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Freshwater Flounder is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Freshwater Flounder during evening hours.

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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