Can Redline Rasbora and Spotted Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Redline Rasbora and Spotted Rainbowfish 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

Redline Rasbora

Rasbora pauciperforata

Spotted Rainbowfish

Glossolepis maculosus

🐠Family Group
Redline Rasbora
Cyprinids
Spotted Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Redline Rasbora
Peaceful (1/10)
Spotted Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Redline Rasbora
22–27°C
Spotted Rainbowfish
23–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Redline Rasbora
4–6.8
Spotted Rainbowfish
7–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Redline Rasbora
1–8
Spotted Rainbowfish
8–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Redline Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Spotted Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Redline Rasbora
Low
Spotted Rainbowfish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 80 L
Redline Rasbora
80 L
Spotted Rainbowfish
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Redline Rasbora
TopMiddle
Spotted Rainbowfish
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Redline Rasbora
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)
Spotted Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Redline Rasbora and Spotted 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.

Redline Rasbora
Spotted Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Redline Rasbora is a peaceful species (1/10), while Spotted Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Spotted Rainbowfish may occasionally assert dominance over Redline Rasbora.

Redline Rasbora and Spotted 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.

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 Redline Rasbora (4–6.8) and Spotted Rainbowfish (7–8) 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 Redline Rasbora and Spotted Rainbowfish 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: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), 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

Redline Rasbora and Spotted Rainbowfish 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 Redline Rasbora and Spotted Rainbowfish.

Show 12 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Redline Rasbora and Spotted Rainbowfish live together?

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

What size tank do Redline Rasbora and Spotted Rainbowfish 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 Redline Rasbora and Spotted Rainbowfish 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 Redline Rasbora or Spotted Rainbowfish aggressive?

Redline Rasbora is peaceful (1/10) and Spotted Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Redline Rasbora and Spotted Rainbowfish need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Redline Rasbora prefers 4–6.8, while Spotted Rainbowfish needs 7–8. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

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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