Can Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Red Fin Borleyi Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Red Fin Borleyi together is possible but requires caution due to differing aggression levels. Provide a spacious tank of at least 280 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)

Microdevario kubotai

Red Fin Borleyi

Copadichromis borleyi

🐠Family Group
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Cyprinids
Red Fin Borleyi
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Peaceful (1/10)
Red Fin Borleyi
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
20–27°C
Red Fin Borleyi
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
6–7.5
Red Fin Borleyi
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
2–10
Red Fin Borleyi
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Freshwater Only
Red Fin Borleyi
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Moderate
Red Fin Borleyi
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 280 L
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
38 L
Red Fin Borleyi
280 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
TopMiddle
Red Fin Borleyi
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Red Fin Borleyi
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Red Fin Borleyi?

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)
Red Fin Borleyi
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is a peaceful species (1/10), while Red Fin Borleyi is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Red Fin Borleyi may occasionally assert dominance over Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Red Fin Borleyi 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.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Red Fin Borleyi to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

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.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 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 10–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Red Fin Borleyi together, plan for an aquarium of at least 280 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - lighly covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Sand (Sifters). 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 Needs Extra Planning in Practice

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Red Fin Borleyi need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Red Fin Borleyi.

Show 1 more tank size

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Red Fin Borleyi live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 280 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) and Red Fin Borleyi need?

A minimum of 280 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Red Fin Borleyi 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 Red Fin Borleyi aggressive?

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10) and Red Fin Borleyi is moderately assertive (6/10). 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 Red Fin Borleyi need?

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

How do I manage Red Fin Borleyi's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Red Fin Borleyi 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

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

Red Fin Borleyi & Afra Cichlid

·

Possible with Caution
Red Fin Borleyi: PeacefulAfra Cichlid: Peaceful

Red Fin Borleyi & African Jewel Cichlid

·

Possible with Caution
Red Fin Borleyi: PeacefulAfrican Jewel Cichlid: Peaceful

Red Fin Borleyi & Altolamprologus Calvus

·

Possible with Caution
Red Fin Borleyi: PeacefulAltolamprologus Calvus: Peaceful

Red Fin Borleyi & Altolamprologus Compressiceps

·

Possible with Caution
Red Fin Borleyi: PeacefulAltolamprologus Compressiceps: Peaceful

Red Fin Borleyi & Aurora Yellow Mbuna

·

Possible with Caution
Red Fin Borleyi: PeacefulAurora Yellow Mbuna: Peaceful

Red Fin Borleyi & Black Diamond Cichlid

·

Possible with Caution
Red Fin Borleyi: PeacefulBlack Diamond Cichlid: Peaceful