Fish comparison
Chili Rasbora vs Discus
How the Chili Rasbora and Discus compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Chili Rasbora vs Discus
The Chili Rasbora and the Discus come up together a lot when people are choosing a fish, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 28 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 6.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Chili Rasbora is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Discus rewards a bit more attention. If tank space is tight, the Chili Rasbora needs less room to feel settled; give the Discus the nod when you have the litres to spare.
Group compatibility overview
Good fit
Workable as-is, only minor advisories to plan around.
1 warning · 5 notes
Temperature
- Chili Rasbora24–28 °C
- Discus28–31 °C
pH
- Chili Rasbora4–6.5
- Discus5.5–7
Hardness
- Chili Rasbora1–4 dGH
- Discus1–8 dGH
What to plan for
- Tight temperature windowThe overlap is only 28–28 °C. Heater stability matters more than usual; consider an external controller.
- Chili Rasbora schools, stock at least 10You've planned for 1 chili rasbora. Chili Rasbora need a group of at least 10 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
- Discus schools, stock at least 6You've planned for 1 discus. Discus need a group of at least 6 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
- Demanding species presentDiscus are difficulty 4+. Stable parameters and weekly maintenance are non-negotiable.
- No bottom teamNo bottom-dwelling fish or shrimp. A small group of corydoras or a shrimp colony picks up leftover food and keeps detritus in check.
- 67% of your fish swim in the midHeavy concentration in a single zone. Spreading stocking across all three levels makes the tank read fuller for the same bioload.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishChili RasboraBoraras brigittae |  FishDiscusSymphysodon aequifasciatus |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Southwestern Borneo blackwater swamps | Amazon basin |
| Family | Cyprinidae | Cichlidae |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C | 28–31 °C |
| pH | 4.0–6.5 | 5.5–7.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 1–4 | 1–8 |
| Flow rate | Still to Low | Low |
| Min tank | 30 L | 300 L |
| Adult size | 1.7–2 cm | 15–20 cm |
| Difficulty | 3 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 3–4 yrs | 10–15 yrs |
| Diet | Micropredator | Carnivore |
| Water column | Mid to Top | Mid |
| Schooling | Yes | Yes |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Yes (adults and adult shrimp) | Adults only |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Chili Rasbora and Discus together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 28 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 6.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Chili Rasbora or the Discus?
The Chili Rasbora is the easier of the two, closer to middle-of-the-road, while the Discus leans demanding.
Do Chili Rasbora and Discus need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 28 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 6.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Chili Rasbora and the Discus?
Space. The Chili Rasbora wants about 30 litres minimum and the Discus around 300, so tank size can settle it.