Can Rummynose Rasbora and Uaru Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Rummynose Rasbora and Uaru are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap and 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

Rummynose Rasbora

Sawbwa resplendens

Uaru

Uaru amphiacanthoides

🐠Family Group
Rummynose Rasbora
Cyprinids
Uaru
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Rummynose Rasbora
Peaceful (2/10)
Uaru
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Rummynose Rasbora
20–25°C
Uaru
27–30°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Rummynose Rasbora
7.3–8.5
Uaru
5–7
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Rummynose Rasbora
10–20
Uaru
1–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Rummynose Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Uaru
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Rummynose Rasbora
Moderate
Uaru
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 400 L
Rummynose Rasbora
60 L
Uaru
400 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Rummynose Rasbora
Middle
Uaru
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Rummynose Rasbora
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Uaru
Plant DestroyerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Shrimp Eater
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Rummynose Rasbora and Uaru?

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
Uaru
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Rummynose Rasbora is a peaceful species (2/10), while Uaru is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Uaru may occasionally assert dominance over Rummynose Rasbora.

Rummynose Rasbora and Uaru 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. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Water Parameters

There is no temperature overlap between Rummynose Rasbora (20–25°C) and Uaru (27–30°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

The pH requirements of Rummynose Rasbora (7.3–8.5) and Uaru (5–7) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Rummynose Rasbora needs 10–20 dGH while Uaru requires 1–8 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Rummynose Rasbora and Uaru together, plan for an aquarium of at least 400 litres with a minimum length of 150 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), Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Uaru is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Rummynose Rasbora's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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 Uaru 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 Uaru.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Uaru is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Rummynose Rasbora.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Rummynose Rasbora and Uaru live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Rummynose Rasbora and Uaru need?

A minimum of 400 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Uaru together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Rummynose Rasbora requires 20–25°C, while Uaru needs 27–30°C.

Are Rummynose Rasbora or Uaru aggressive?

Rummynose Rasbora is peaceful (2/10) and Uaru is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Rummynose Rasbora and Uaru need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Rummynose Rasbora prefers 7.3–8.5, while Uaru needs 5–7. 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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