Can Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pearly Ocellatus Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pearly Ocellatus 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

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)

Microdevario kubotai

Pearly Ocellatus

Neolamprologus stappersi

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

Can your tank handle Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pearly Ocellatus?

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.

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Pearly Ocellatus
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

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

In terms of spatial distribution, Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) prefers the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones, whereas Pearly Ocellatus occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

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 Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) (6–7.5) and Pearly Ocellatus (8–9) 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 Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pearly Ocellatus together, plan for an aquarium of at least 38 litres with a minimum length of 45 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, Plants - lighly covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Sand (Sifters), Shells (Breeding/Hiding). 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

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pearly Ocellatus 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 Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pearly Ocellatus.

Show 22 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pearly Ocellatus live together?

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

What size tank do Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pearly Ocellatus need?

A minimum of 38 litres (tank length at least 45 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 Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pearly Ocellatus 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 Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) or Pearly Ocellatus aggressive?

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10) and Pearly Ocellatus is semi-aggressive (7/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pearly Ocellatus need?

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

How do I manage Pearly Ocellatus's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Pearly Ocellatus 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 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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