Can Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pygmy Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pygmy Rainbowfish are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 75 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)

Microdevario kubotai

Pygmy Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia pygmaea

🐠Family Group
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Cyprinids
Pygmy Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Peaceful (1/10)
Pygmy Rainbowfish
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
20–27°C
Pygmy Rainbowfish
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
6–7.5
Pygmy Rainbowfish
6.5–7.8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
2–10
Pygmy Rainbowfish
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Freshwater Only
Pygmy Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Moderate
Pygmy Rainbowfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
38 L
Pygmy Rainbowfish
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
TopMiddle
Pygmy Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Pygmy Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerNano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pygmy Rainbowfish?

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)
Pygmy Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is a peaceful species (1/10), while Pygmy Rainbowfish is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Pygmy Rainbowfish may occasionally assert dominance over Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pygmy Rainbowfish 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.

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 22°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pygmy Rainbowfish 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: 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 Works in Practice

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pygmy Rainbowfish work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pygmy Rainbowfish.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pygmy Rainbowfish live together?

Yes. Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pygmy Rainbowfish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pygmy Rainbowfish 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 Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pygmy Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 27°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) or Pygmy Rainbowfish aggressive?

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10) and Pygmy Rainbowfish is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Pygmy Rainbowfish need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

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

Related Comparisons

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) & Blackline Rasbora

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai): PeacefulBlackline Rasbora: Peaceful

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) & Copper Harlequin Rasbora

·

Possible with Caution
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai): PeacefulCopper Harlequin Rasbora: Peaceful

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) & Glowlight Danio

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai): PeacefulGlowlight Danio: Peaceful

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) & Harlequin Rasbora

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai): PeacefulHarlequin Rasbora: Peaceful

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) & Pearl Danio

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai): PeacefulPearl Danio: Peaceful

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) & Rose Danio

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai): PeacefulRose Danio: Peaceful

Pygmy Rainbowfish & Ajamaru Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Pygmy Rainbowfish: PeacefulAjamaru Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Pygmy Rainbowfish & Allen's Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Pygmy Rainbowfish: PeacefulAllen's Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Pygmy Rainbowfish & Angfa Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Pygmy Rainbowfish: PeacefulAngfa Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Pygmy Rainbowfish & Axelrod's Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Pygmy Rainbowfish: PeacefulAxelrod's Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Pygmy Rainbowfish & Barred Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Pygmy Rainbowfish: PeacefulBarred Rainbowfish: Peaceful

Pygmy Rainbowfish & Batanta Rainbowfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Pygmy Rainbowfish: PeacefulBatanta Rainbowfish: Peaceful