🐠 Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Chili Rasbora Live With Dwarf Gourami?

✅ Compatible — Compatibility Score: 75/100
75/100 — Compatible

Compatibility Overview

Chili Rasbora and Dwarf Gourami can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 55-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

FactorChili RasboraDwarf GouramiVerdict
Temperature68–82°F72–82°F✅ 72–82°F
pH Range4.0–7.06.0–7.5✅ 6.0–7.0
Temperamentpeacefulsemi⚠️ Monitor
Adult Size0.8 in3.5 in❌ 4× difference
Min. Group8+1+See below
Min. Tank Size55 gallons (for both species)

✅ Compatibility Positives

Good temperature overlap: both species thrive at 72–82°F.
pH ranges are compatible: workable range is 6.0–7.0.
Chili Rasbora must be kept in groups of 8+.

⚠️ Caution Points

⚠️Minor aggression possible from the semi-aggressive species; provide hiding spots.
⚠️Significant size difference (3.5 in vs 0.8 in) — the larger species may out-compete for food or intimidate the smaller.

Species Profiles

Chili Rasbora — Boraras brigittae

Vivid red nano fish from Borneo blackwater habitats. Extremely small — only safe with fish too small to swallow them.

→ Full Chili Rasbora care guide

Dwarf Gourami — Trichogaster lalius

Colourful labyrinth fish that is generally peaceful but can be territorial toward similar species. Susceptible to Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus.

→ Full Dwarf Gourami care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Chili Rasbora live with Dwarf Gourami?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Chili Rasbora and Dwarf Gourami can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 55-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

What tank size do I need for Chili Rasbora and Dwarf Gourami together?

A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for keeping Chili Rasbora and Dwarf Gourami together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Chili Rasbora and Dwarf Gourami?

72–82°F

Is a Chili Rasbora aggressive toward a Dwarf Gourami?

Chili Rasbora is peaceful and Dwarf Gourami is semi. Minor aggression possible from the semi-aggressive species; provide hiding spots.