Can Redline Rasbora and Zebra Apple Snail Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Redline Rasbora and Zebra Apple Snail 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

Zebra Apple Snail

Asolene spixi

🐠Family Group
Redline Rasbora
Cyprinids
Zebra Apple Snail
Invertebrates
Temperament
Redline Rasbora
Peaceful (1/10)
Zebra Apple Snail
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Redline Rasbora
22–27°C
Zebra Apple Snail
21–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Redline Rasbora
4–6.8
Zebra Apple Snail
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Redline Rasbora
1–8
Zebra Apple Snail
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Redline Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Zebra Apple Snail
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Redline Rasbora
Low
Zebra Apple Snail
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 80 L
Redline Rasbora
80 L
Zebra Apple Snail
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Redline Rasbora
TopMiddle
Zebra Apple Snail
BottomMiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Redline Rasbora
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)
Zebra Apple Snail
Snail EaterNocturnal
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Redline Rasbora and Zebra Apple Snail?

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
Zebra Apple Snail
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Redline Rasbora is a peaceful species (1/10), while Zebra Apple Snail is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Redline Rasbora may occasionally assert dominance over Zebra Apple Snail.

Redline Rasbora and Zebra Apple Snail 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: Zebra Apple Snail is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Redline Rasbora 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.

The pH requirements of Redline Rasbora (4–6.8) and Zebra Apple Snail (7–8.5) 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 Zebra Apple Snail 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, Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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 Zebra Apple Snail 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 Zebra Apple Snail.

Show 12 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Redline Rasbora and Zebra Apple Snail 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 Zebra Apple Snail 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 Zebra Apple Snail 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 Redline Rasbora or Zebra Apple Snail aggressive?

Redline Rasbora is peaceful (1/10) and Zebra Apple Snail is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Redline Rasbora and Zebra Apple Snail need?

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

Does Zebra Apple Snail being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Zebra Apple Snail is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Zebra Apple Snail during evening hours.

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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