Can Orange Chromide and Redline Rasbora Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Orange Chromide and Redline Rasbora 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

Orange Chromide

Etroplus maculatus

Redline Rasbora

Rasbora pauciperforata

🐠Family Group
Orange Chromide
Other
Redline Rasbora
Cyprinids
Temperament
Orange Chromide
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Redline Rasbora
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Orange Chromide
23–28°C
Redline Rasbora
22–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Orange Chromide
7–8.5
Redline Rasbora
4–6.8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Orange Chromide
8–20
Redline Rasbora
1–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Orange Chromide
Brackish Tolerant
Redline Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Orange Chromide
Low
Redline Rasbora
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 80 L
Orange Chromide
80 L
Redline Rasbora
80 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Orange Chromide
MiddleBottom
Redline Rasbora
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Orange Chromide
Territorial (Defends specific area)Fry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Redline Rasbora
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Orange Chromide and Redline Rasbora?

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.

Orange Chromide
Redline Rasbora
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Behaviour & Temperament

Orange Chromide is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Redline Rasbora is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Orange Chromide may occasionally assert dominance over Redline Rasbora.

Orange Chromide and Redline Rasbora 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: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Redline Rasbora is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Orange Chromide (7–8.5) and Redline Rasbora (4–6.8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Orange Chromide and Redline Rasbora together, plan for an aquarium of at least 80 litres with a minimum length of 80 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Orange Chromide and Redline Rasbora 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 Orange Chromide and Redline Rasbora.

Show 12 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Orange Chromide and Redline Rasbora live together?

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

What size tank do Orange Chromide and Redline Rasbora need?

A minimum of 80 litres (tank length at least 80 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 Orange Chromide and Redline Rasbora together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Orange Chromide or Redline Rasbora aggressive?

Orange Chromide is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Redline Rasbora is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Orange Chromide and Redline Rasbora need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Orange Chromide prefers 7–8.5, while Redline Rasbora needs 4–6.8. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Orange Chromide's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Orange Chromide 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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