Rasboras and goldfish cannot live together due to incompatible water temperature, chemistry, and habitat needs.
Goldfish are coldwater fish that prefer water temperatures between 65-75°F, whereas tropical rasboras require warm water from 75-82°F to stay healthy.
This significant temperature discrepancy alone is reason enough to house these fish separately.
Also, goldfish produce large amounts of waste and thrive in harder, alkaline water conditions.
Such an environment would quickly become toxic for most rasboras, which originate from soft, acidic freshwaters.
Sensitive fish like rasboras are also prone to nipping from flashy goldfish.
That said, larger rasbora species can make interesting additions to certain goldfish aquariums.
Hardier fish like the Harlequin Rasbora and Scissortail Rasbora adapt more readily to a range of water chemistries.
Provided the temperature is slightly cooler to accommodate goldfish, these active schoolers can liven up a pond or large tank.
However, mixing species with vastly different requirements is an advanced technique that requires close monitoring, specialized equipment, and backups in case incompatibilities arise.
For most hobbyists, it’s best to create species-specific communities to ensure healthy, thriving fish.
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