Can Rummynose Rasbora and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Rummynose Rasbora and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Rummynose Rasbora

Sawbwa resplendens

Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)

Datnioides polota

🐠Family Group
Rummynose Rasbora
Cyprinids
Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)
Oddballs
Temperament
Rummynose Rasbora
Peaceful (2/10)
Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Rummynose Rasbora
20–25°C
Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)
20–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Rummynose Rasbora
7.3–8.5
Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)
7.5–9
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Rummynose Rasbora
10–20
Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)
15–30
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Rummynose Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Rummynose Rasbora
Moderate
Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 650 L
Rummynose Rasbora
60 L
Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)
650 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Rummynose Rasbora
Middle
Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Rummynose Rasbora
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Generally AggressiveTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Rummynose Rasbora and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)?

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.

Rummynose Rasbora
Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Rummynose Rasbora is a peaceful species (2/10), while Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) is semi-aggressive (7/10). This notable difference means Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) may occasionally assert dominance over Rummynose Rasbora.

Rummynose Rasbora and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) 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.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 20°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 22.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 15–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Rummynose Rasbora and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 650 litres with a minimum length of 180 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: Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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

Rummynose Rasbora and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) 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 Rummynose Rasbora and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Rummynose Rasbora and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) live together?

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

What size tank do Rummynose Rasbora and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) need?

A minimum of 650 litres (tank length at least 180 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 Rummynose Rasbora and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 25°C. A target of around 22.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Rummynose Rasbora or Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) aggressive?

Rummynose Rasbora is peaceful (2/10) and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) is semi-aggressive (7/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Rummynose Rasbora and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–8.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) 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?
Contact the editorial team

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