๐Ÿ  Fish Compatibility Guide

Can African Butterfly Fish and Harlequin Rasbora Live Together?

Updated September 23, 2026 ยท FishCare AI Editorial Team

โœ… Compatible โ€” Compatibility Score: 84/100
84/100 โ€” Compatible

African Butterfly Fish and Harlequin Rasbora Compatibility Overview

African Butterfly Fish and Harlequin Rasbora can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. African Butterfly Fish is semi and Harlequin Rasbora is peaceful, so give them room and cover rather than assuming they will ignore each other. A minimum 75-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

Compatibility factors for African Butterfly Fish and Harlequin Rasbora
FactorAfrican Butterfly FishHarlequin RasboraVerdict
Temperature73โ€“86ยฐF72โ€“81ยฐFโœ… 73โ€“81ยฐF
pH Range6.0โ€“7.55.5โ€“7.5โœ… 6.0โ€“7.5
Temperamentsemipeacefulโš ๏ธ Monitor
Adult Size4.7 in1.75 inโš ๏ธ 2.7ร— difference
Min. Group1+8+See below
Min. Tank Size75 gallons (for both species)โ€”

Compatibility Positives

A stable shared temperature range is available.
Their pH requirements overlap.
Temperament risk is relatively low when normal group sizes are maintained.

Caution Points

No major compatibility issues identified for this pair.

Species Profiles

African Butterfly Fish โ€” Pantodon buchholzi

African Butterfly Fish and Harlequin Rasbora compatibility โ€” African Butterfly Fish

The African Butterfly Fish is a popular freshwater species known for its striking appearance and peaceful demeanor. It requires a well-maintained tank with plenty of swimming space and hiding spots. With a moderate activity level, it is suitable for beginners and can be kept in a community tank with compatible species.

โ†’ Full African Butterfly Fish care guide

Harlequin Rasbora โ€” Trigonostigma heteromorpha

African Butterfly Fish and Harlequin Rasbora compatibility โ€” Harlequin Rasbora

Active mid-level schooling fish with a distinctive black triangular patch. One of the best all-around community tank fish.

โ†’ Full Harlequin Rasbora care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can African Butterfly Fish live with Harlequin Rasbora?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. African Butterfly Fish and Harlequin Rasbora can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. African Butterfly Fish is semi and Harlequin Rasbora is peaceful, so give them room and cover rather than assuming they will ignore each other. A minimum 75-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

What tank size do I need for African Butterfly Fish and Harlequin Rasbora together?

A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for keeping African Butterfly Fish and Harlequin Rasbora together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both African Butterfly Fish and Harlequin Rasbora?

73โ€“81ยฐF โ€” inside African Butterfly Fish's 73โ€“86ยฐF and Harlequin Rasbora's 72โ€“81ยฐF.

Is a African Butterfly Fish aggressive toward a Harlequin Rasbora?

African Butterfly Fish is semi and Harlequin Rasbora is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.

Related Compatibility Guides

Tank Size for African Butterfly Fish and Harlequin Rasbora

Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.

ScenarioTankWhen it applies
Minimum viable75 galOnly for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring.
Recommended community125 galAdds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior.
Low-conflict setup150 galBest when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure.