Can Goldie River Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Goldie River Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora 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

Goldie River Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia goldiei

Redline Rasbora

Rasbora pauciperforata

🐠Family Group
Goldie River Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Redline Rasbora
Cyprinids
Temperament
Goldie River Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Redline Rasbora
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Goldie River Rainbowfish
24–28°C
Redline Rasbora
22–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Goldie River Rainbowfish
7–8
Redline Rasbora
4–6.8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Goldie River Rainbowfish
8–16
Redline Rasbora
1–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Goldie River Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Redline Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Goldie River Rainbowfish
Moderate
Redline Rasbora
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 130 L
Goldie River Rainbowfish
130 L
Redline Rasbora
80 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Goldie River Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Redline Rasbora
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Goldie River Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Fry Predator
Redline Rasbora
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Goldie River Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora?

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.

Goldie River Rainbowfish
Redline Rasbora
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Goldie River Rainbowfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Redline Rasbora is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Goldie River Rainbowfish may occasionally assert dominance over Redline Rasbora.

Goldie River Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora both frequent the Top (Surface) and 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. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition.

Worth noting: Goldie River Rainbowfish 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.

The pH requirements of Goldie River Rainbowfish (7–8) and Redline Rasbora (4–6.8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Goldie River Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora together, plan for an aquarium of at least 130 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: Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating. 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

Goldie River Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora 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 Goldie River Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora.

Show 9 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Goldie River Rainbowfish is an aggressive eater that may prevent Redline Rasbora from getting enough food.

Because Goldie River Rainbowfish is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Redline Rasbora receives an adequate share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Goldie River Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora live together?

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

What size tank do Goldie River Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora need?

A minimum of 130 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 Goldie River Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora 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 Goldie River Rainbowfish or Redline Rasbora aggressive?

Goldie River Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Redline Rasbora is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Goldie River Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Goldie River Rainbowfish prefers 7–8, while Redline Rasbora needs 4–6.8. 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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