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

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Neolamprologus Tretocephalus 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 Tretocephalus

Neolamprologus tretocephalus

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)

Microdevario kubotai

🐠Family Group
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus
Cichlids - African
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Cyprinids
Temperament
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus
Aggressive (8/10)
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus
24–28°C
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
20–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus
8–9
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus
10–25
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
2–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus
Freshwater Only
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus
Moderate
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 150 L
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus
150 L
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus
BottomMiddle
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Neolamprologus Tretocephalus
Snail EaterGenerally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Neolamprologus Tretocephalus 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 Tretocephalus
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Neolamprologus Tretocephalus is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Neolamprologus Tretocephalus may occasionally assert dominance over Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Neolamprologus Tretocephalus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Neolamprologus Tretocephalus 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.

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 Tretocephalus (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 Tretocephalus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 150 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: 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

Neolamprologus Tretocephalus 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 Tretocephalus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Show 9 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A minimum of 150 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 Neolamprologus Tretocephalus 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 Tretocephalus or Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) aggressive?

Neolamprologus Tretocephalus is semi-aggressive (8/10) 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 Tretocephalus and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Neolamprologus Tretocephalus 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 Tretocephalus's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Neolamprologus Tretocephalus 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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