Can Kamaka Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Kamaka 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

Kamaka Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia kamaka

Redline Rasbora

Rasbora pauciperforata

🐠Family Group
Kamaka Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Redline Rasbora
Cyprinids
Temperament
Kamaka Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Redline Rasbora
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Kamaka Rainbowfish
24–28°C
Redline Rasbora
22–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Kamaka Rainbowfish
7.4–8.4
Redline Rasbora
4–6.8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Kamaka Rainbowfish
8–20
Redline Rasbora
1–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Kamaka Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Redline Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Kamaka Rainbowfish
Moderate
Redline Rasbora
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Kamaka Rainbowfish
110 L
Redline Rasbora
80 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Kamaka Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Redline Rasbora
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Kamaka Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Redline Rasbora
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Kamaka 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.

Kamaka Rainbowfish
Redline Rasbora
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Behaviour & Temperament

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

Kamaka 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: Kamaka 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 Kamaka Rainbowfish (7.4–8.4) 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 Kamaka Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora 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: Plants - lighly covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, 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

Kamaka 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 Kamaka Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

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

Because Kamaka 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 Kamaka 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 Kamaka Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora 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 Kamaka 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 Kamaka Rainbowfish or Redline Rasbora aggressive?

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

What pH do Kamaka Rainbowfish and Redline Rasbora need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Kamaka Rainbowfish prefers 7.4–8.4, 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?
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