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

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Freshwater Shark (Wallago) and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Freshwater Shark (Wallago)

Wallago attu

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)

Microdevario kubotai

🐠Family Group
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Catfish
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Cyprinids
Temperament
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Highly Aggressive (10/10)
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
19–29°C
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
20–27°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
6–7.6
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
1–20
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
2–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Freshwater Only
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Moderate
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 5500 L
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
5500 L
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
MiddleBottom
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesJumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Freshwater Shark (Wallago) 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 Shark (Wallago)
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Freshwater Shark (Wallago) is a highly aggressive species (10/10), while Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Freshwater Shark (Wallago) may occasionally assert dominance over Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Large aggression gap (9 points) between Freshwater Shark (Wallago) and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Freshwater Shark (Wallago) 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.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Worth noting: Freshwater Shark (Wallago) 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 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.5°C) for optimal comfort.

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 Freshwater Shark (Wallago) and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 5500 litres with a minimum length of 300 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), 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 Shark (Wallago) 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Freshwater Shark (Wallago) and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) live together?

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

What size tank do Freshwater Shark (Wallago) and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) need?

A minimum of 5500 litres (tank length at least 300 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 Shark (Wallago) and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 27°C. A target of around 23.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Freshwater Shark (Wallago) or Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) aggressive?

Freshwater Shark (Wallago) is highly aggressive (10/10) 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 Freshwater Shark (Wallago) 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.

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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