Compatibility brief
Can Chili Rasbora live with Firemouth Cichlid?
Risky. This mix is commonly discouraged for typical setups.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: medium
How we decideFishori checks adult size and predation risk, behaviour, water requirements and tank needs before giving a verdict.
200L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 200L (larger active fish often want more length).
Firemouth Cichlid (about 12cm as an adult) can realistically eat Chili Rasbora (about 2cm) once grown. Plan around adult sizes, not shop sizes.
Temperament gap (peaceful vs semi-aggressive) adds stress on top of the hard incompatibility — space and cover do not make this pairing safe.
Assessment details
Temperament difference
Firemouth Cichlid is semi-aggressive, while Chili Rasbora is peaceful. Expect chasing or stress unless the tank is large and heavily structured — monitor closely.
Firemouth Cichlid may eat Chili Rasbora
Top issueFiremouth Cichlid (12cm) is predatory and Chili Rasbora (2cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
“Firemouth Cichlid (12cm) is predatory and Chili Rasbora (2cm)…”
Firemouth Cichlid may eat Chili Rasbora
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Chili Rasbora can escape if harassed.
- •Chili Rasbora should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.
- •Firemouth Cichlid should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
Try instead
- →Build a species-only tank for the larger fish, or restock with fish too large to be eaten at adult sizes.
- Seriously Fish. Boraras brigittae
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Boraras brigittae
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Boraras brigittae
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
- Seriously Fish. Thorichthys meeki
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Thorichthys meeki
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Thorichthys meeki
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with Chili Rasbora + Firemouth Cichlid
Plan further
Check each species’ mates list, size the glass, then verify the full stock in the builder. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.
Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.
Profile data confidence: high. Checked against several solid care sources that mostly agree.