Compatibility Overview
Chili Rasbora and Jewel Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
| Factor | Chili Rasbora | Jewel Cichlid | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 68–82°F | 72–79°F | ✅ 72–79°F |
| pH Range | 4.0–7.0 | 7.0–8.0 | ⚠️ 7.0–7.0 (narrow) |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 0.8 in | 3.1 in | ⚠️ 3.9× difference |
| Min. Group | 8+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 55 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
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
Jewel Cichlid — Aquarium species
The Jewel Cichlid, Hemichromis bimaculatus, is a vibrant and territorial fish popular in the aquarium trade. They require a spacious tank with hiding spots and can be moderately aggressive. With proper care, they can be a rewarding addition to the home aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Chili Rasbora live with Jewel Cichlid?
Generally not recommended. Chili Rasbora and Jewel Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
What tank size do I need for Chili Rasbora and Jewel Cichlid together?
A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for keeping Chili Rasbora and Jewel Cichlid together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Chili Rasbora and Jewel Cichlid?
72–79°F
Is a Chili Rasbora aggressive toward a Jewel Cichlid?
Chili Rasbora is peaceful and Jewel Cichlid is aggressive. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Compatibility score breakdown
The overall score is weighted across water chemistry, behavior, adult size, swimming zone, and social needs. A score is a planning aid—not a guarantee for individual fish.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 100/100 |
| Ph | 0/100 |
| Temperament | 30/100 |
| Adult Size | 38/100 |
| Swim Zone | 68/100 |
| Social Needs | 92/100 |
Tank size scenarios
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 55 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 75 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 125 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |