What size tank do phoenix rasboras need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 8. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Boraras merah.
How many phoenix rasboras in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if phoenix rasboras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many phoenix rasboras |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | up to 14 |
| 20 gallon long | up to 28 |
| 29 gallon | up to 41 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 57 |
| 55 gallon | 60 or more |
| 75 gallon | 60 or more |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check phoenix rasboras against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 8. Alone or in twos and threes, phoenix rasboras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for phoenix rasboras
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Sparkling gourami
- Umbrella dwarf cichlid
- Croaking gourami
- Salt and pepper corydoras
- Honey gourami
- Otocinclus
- Threadfin rainbowfish
- Clown killifish
Poor matches
- Guppy: These fish do not share a comfortable pH range. Choose fish from similar water.
- Angelfish: Angelfish (about 6 in) can eat phoenix rasbora (about 0.8 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as phoenix rasbora.
Questions and answers
What size tank do phoenix rasboras need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 8. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many phoenix rasboras should be kept together?
At least 8. Phoenix rasboras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can phoenix rasboras live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 14 as the only fish in the tank.
What temperature do phoenix rasboras need?
68–82 °F (20–28 °C), with a pH of 4–6.5. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can phoenix rasboras live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Pearl danio
- Glowlight danio
- Emerald dwarf rasbora
- Black ruby barb
- Five-banded barb
- Checker barb
- All 150 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.