Can Neolamprologus Pulcher and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Neolamprologus Pulcher and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) 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

Neolamprologus Pulcher

Neolamprologus pulcher

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)

Microdevario kubotai

🐠Family Group
Neolamprologus Pulcher
Cichlids - African
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Cyprinids
Temperament
Neolamprologus Pulcher
Aggressive (7/10)
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Pulcher
24–27°C
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
20–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Neolamprologus Pulcher
8–9
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Pulcher
10–25
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
2–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Pulcher
Freshwater Only
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Pulcher
Moderate
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Neolamprologus Pulcher
75 L
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Neolamprologus Pulcher
MiddleBottom
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Neolamprologus Pulcher
Territorial (Defends specific area)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shrimp Eater
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Neolamprologus Pulcher 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.

Neolamprologus Pulcher
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Neolamprologus Pulcher is a semi-aggressive species (7/10), while Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Neolamprologus Pulcher may occasionally assert dominance over Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Neolamprologus Pulcher and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Neolamprologus Pulcher 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: 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 24°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Neolamprologus Pulcher (8–9) and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) (6–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

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

Tank Setup

To house Neolamprologus Pulcher and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 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: 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

Neolamprologus Pulcher 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 Neolamprologus Pulcher and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Show 17 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Neolamprologus Pulcher 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 Neolamprologus Pulcher and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) need?

A minimum of 75 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 Neolamprologus Pulcher and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) 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 Neolamprologus Pulcher or Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) aggressive?

Neolamprologus Pulcher is semi-aggressive (7/10) 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 Neolamprologus Pulcher and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Neolamprologus Pulcher prefers 8–9, while Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Neolamprologus Pulcher's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Neolamprologus Pulcher space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

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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