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Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Chili Rasbora live with Pictus catfish?

VerdictRISKY

Risky. This mix is commonly discouraged for typical setups.

Chili Rasbora + Pictus catfish: Pictus catfish may eat Chili Rasbora. Pictus catfish (14cm) is predatory and Chili Rasbora (2cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe. Real tanks add variables Fishori cannot model; treat this as a high-risk read, not certainty.

Compatibility score

30/100

Profile confidence: medium

Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.

Min tank

250L

Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 250L (larger active fish often want more length).

Temperature
Range in °C2428°C shared
Chili RasboraPictus catfishShared window
pH
Range67 shared
Chili RasboraPictus catfishShared window
Size / predation

Pictus catfish (14cm adult) may treat small Chili Rasbora (~2cm) as food once grown — plan adult sizes, not shop sizes.

Assessment details

  1. Compatible temperaments

    Both Chili Rasbora and Pictus catfish share a peaceful temperament.

  2. Pictus catfish may eat Chili Rasbora

    Top issue

    Pictus catfish (14cm) is predatory and Chili Rasbora (2cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe.

  3. Compatible temperature range

    Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.

Pictus catfish (14cm) is predatory and Chili Rasbora (2cm) is…

Pictus catfish may eat Chili Rasbora

Next steps

Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.

  • Chili Rasbora should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.
  • Pictus catfish should be kept in a group of at least 5 for best health and behaviour.

Try instead

  • Chili Rasbora should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.
  • Pictus catfish should be kept in a group of at least 5 for best health and behaviour.
  • Build a species-only tank for the larger fish, or restock with fish too large to be eaten at adult sizes.
Sources from both profiles
Only URLs that exist on the species records are shown. We do not fabricate citations.
  • 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. Pimelodus pictus

    Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).

  • FishBase. Pimelodus pictus

    Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.

  • Wikipedia. Pimelodus pictus

    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 + Pictus catfish

Plan further

Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. 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. Based on multiple reputable aquarium care sources with strong agreement.