Can Honey Blue Eye and Rummynose Rasbora Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Honey Blue Eye and Rummynose Rasbora are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements 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

Honey Blue Eye

Pseudomugil mellis

Rummynose Rasbora

Sawbwa resplendens

🐠Family Group
Honey Blue Eye
Rainbowfish
Rummynose Rasbora
Cyprinids
Temperament
Honey Blue Eye
Peaceful (2/10)
Rummynose Rasbora
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Honey Blue Eye
20–28°C
Rummynose Rasbora
20–25°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Honey Blue Eye
4.5–7
Rummynose Rasbora
7.3–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Honey Blue Eye
1–8
Rummynose Rasbora
10–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Honey Blue Eye
Freshwater Only
Rummynose Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Honey Blue Eye
Low
Rummynose Rasbora
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 60 L
Honey Blue Eye
40 L
Rummynose Rasbora
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Honey Blue Eye
TopMiddle
Rummynose Rasbora
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Honey Blue Eye
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Rummynose Rasbora
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Honey Blue Eye and Rummynose 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.

Honey Blue Eye
Rummynose Rasbora
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Honey Blue Eye and Rummynose Rasbora are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Honey Blue Eye and Rummynose Rasbora 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Honey Blue Eye 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 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 22.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Honey Blue Eye (4.5–7) and Rummynose Rasbora (7.3–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Honey Blue Eye needs 1–8 dGH while Rummynose Rasbora requires 10–20 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Honey Blue Eye and Rummynose Rasbora together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 litres with a minimum length of 60 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: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Honey Blue Eye and Rummynose 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 Honey Blue Eye and Rummynose Rasbora.

Show 19 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Honey Blue Eye and Rummynose Rasbora live together?

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

What size tank do Honey Blue Eye and Rummynose Rasbora need?

A minimum of 60 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Honey Blue Eye and Rummynose Rasbora together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 25°C. A target of around 22.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Honey Blue Eye or Rummynose Rasbora aggressive?

Honey Blue Eye is peaceful (2/10) and Rummynose Rasbora is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Honey Blue Eye and Rummynose Rasbora need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Honey Blue Eye prefers 4.5–7, while Rummynose Rasbora needs 7.3–8.5. 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?
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