Can Red Fin Caudopunk and Redline Rasbora Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Red Fin Caudopunk and Redline Rasbora are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Red Fin Caudopunk

Neolamprologus caudopunctatus

Redline Rasbora

Rasbora pauciperforata

🐠Family Group
Red Fin Caudopunk
Cichlids - African
Redline Rasbora
Cyprinids
Temperament
Red Fin Caudopunk
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Redline Rasbora
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Red Fin Caudopunk
23–27°C
Redline Rasbora
22–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Red Fin Caudopunk
8–9
Redline Rasbora
4–6.8
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Red Fin Caudopunk
10–25
Redline Rasbora
1–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Red Fin Caudopunk
Freshwater Only
Redline Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Red Fin Caudopunk
Moderate
Redline Rasbora
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 80 L
Red Fin Caudopunk
75 L
Redline Rasbora
80 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Red Fin Caudopunk
BottomMiddle
Redline Rasbora
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Red Fin Caudopunk
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry Predator
Redline Rasbora
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Red Fin Caudopunk 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.

Red Fin Caudopunk
Redline Rasbora
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Behaviour & Temperament

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

Red Fin Caudopunk 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.

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 Red Fin Caudopunk (8–9) and Redline Rasbora (4–6.8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Red Fin Caudopunk needs 10–25 dGH while Redline Rasbora requires 1–8 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Red Fin Caudopunk 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), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. 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

Red Fin Caudopunk 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 Red Fin Caudopunk and Redline Rasbora.

Show 12 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Red Fin Caudopunk 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 Red Fin Caudopunk 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 Red Fin Caudopunk 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 Red Fin Caudopunk or Redline Rasbora aggressive?

Red Fin Caudopunk is moderately assertive (6/10) and Redline Rasbora is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Red Fin Caudopunk and Redline Rasbora need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Red Fin Caudopunk prefers 8–9, while Redline Rasbora needs 4–6.8. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

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

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