In the wild, rasboras live in large schools with hundreds or even thousands of individuals.
This schooling behavior is an important survival mechanism they have adopted to protect themselves from predators.
Rasboras may not demonstrate schooling behavior as tightly when kept in home aquariums, but they still prefer to be held in groups.
All types of rasboras are schooling fish to some degree.
Some species, like the harlequin rasbora, are known to be tight schoolers that stay together in captivity.

Other rasbora species tend to school more loosely in aquariums once they become comfortable in their environment.
However, they will still interact with each other frequently.
Schooling allows rasboras to exhibit more natural behaviors. Interacting with other individuals provides enrichment and mental stimulation.
Keeping rasboras in proper schools leads to less stress, healthier fish, and more exciting aquarium displays.
Mixing Rasbora Species: Will it Work?
While schooling fish prefer to be with their own species, some types of rasboras can be housed together in mixed schools.
Neon tetras and cardinal tetras make great tank mates for many rasboras, as they require similar water parameters.
Both tetras and rasboras occupy the middle water column, so as long as their schools are large enough, they tend to leave each other alone.
On the other hand, not all rasboras school well with other species. Some may only school tightly with their own kind.
If you want to mix different rasboras, look at their compatibility first.
Rasbora Species | Other Compatible Rasboras |
---|---|
Harlequin Rasbora | Lambchop Rasbora, Espe’s Rasbora, Chili Rasbora, Dwarf Rasboras, Rasbora trilineata, Brilliant Rasbora, Red-tailed Rasbora, Silver Rasbora |
Lambchop Rasbora | Harlequin Rasbora, Espe’s Rasbora, Chili Rasbora, Dwarf Rasboras, Rasbora trilineata, Brilliant Rasbora, Red-tailed Rasbora, Silver Rasbora |
Espe’s Rasbora | Harlequin Rasbora, Lambchop Rasbora, Chili Rasbora, Dwarf Rasboras, Rasbora trilineata, Brilliant Rasbora, Red-tailed Rasbora, Silver Rasbora |
Chili Rasbora | Harlequin Rasbora, Lambchop Rasbora, Espe’s Rasbora, Dwarf Rasboras, Rasbora trilineata, Brilliant Rasbora, Red-tailed Rasbora, Silver Rasbora |
Dwarf Rasboras | Harlequin Rasbora, Lambchop Rasbora, Espe’s Rasbora, Chili Rasbora, Rasbora trilineata, Brilliant Rasbora, Red-tailed Rasbora, Silver Rasbora |
When done correctly, though, a mixed rasbora tank can make for a stunning showcase.
Schooling Requirements of Rasboras

School size requirements depend on the rasbora species.
For example, chili rasboras should be kept in schools of at least 6 fish, though they can be kept in groups of 20 or more.
Ten gallons provides adequate space for 6 chili rasboras, while larger schools need bigger tanks.
Harlequin rasboras require schools of 8-10 individuals minimum. They need at least a 10-gallon tank for a small school, though 20 gallons is ideal.
In a larger aquarium, harlequin rasbora schools can be increased to 15-20 fish.
Proper school sizes lead to better health and activity levels.
Promoting schooling behavior in rasboras is a good idea as it allows them to showcase natural behaviors and decreases stress.
But ensure you’re following species-specific requirements for school sizes, and tank sizes help ensure rasboras thrive.
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