Aquarium Fish Experts fish tanks

Family: Cyprinidae

Distribution: Rasbora leptosoma, commonly known as Copper-striped Rasbora, is an Asian freshwater species found in Sumatra, Indonesia.

PH: 5.0 – 7.0

Temperature: 23°C – 26C (73 – 79F)

Hardness: 2 – 10 dH

Description: Rasbora leptosoma can reach a maximum length of around 9 cm.  It is an elongated, fork-tailed fish with an olive-brown back and a brownish-grey body; it has a white belly and greyish fins.  When healthy, this species can display a bright red stripe from its snot to the iris, and to the caudal fin.

Diet: This species has a preference for live foods in an aquarium environment.  You can feed it Drosophila, Tubifex, crustaceans, insect larvae and insects, as well as flake.

Breeding: You should provide this egg-scattering species with the following water conditions when attempting to spawn: pH of 5.5 – 6.0; hardness of 2 – 3 dH; and a slightly warmer water temperature around the 26 – 29°C region.  It is a good idea to keep a large number of adults in a school and watch carefully for similar pairs.  The eggs, once scattered among the plants, will hatch after 24 – 48 hours.   The fry will be swimming within the next 3 – 5 days and can be given liquid foods, roftiers and Infusoria.

Comments: You can house a small group of Copper-striped Rasbora in a 75 – 100 litre tank.  Your tank should have plenty of open swimming space in the middle of the tank and employ a peat filtration system.  It is recommended you have a dark substrate and a cover of floating plants in your home aquarium.  Rasbora leptosoma is quite sensitive and is better suited to hobbyists with some experience.

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Recommended Compatible Species: This peaceful fish is best housed in groups of 8 – 10, with similarly-sized, active schoolers.  They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

Family: Cyprinidae

Distribution: Trigonostigma hengeli, perhaps better known as the Glowlight Rasbora or Hengel’s Rasbora, is native to Borneo and Sumatra, Indonesia.  It has been collected from Sumatra’s Jambi province and from the Tambesi River.  It is usually found in gentle streams and densely vegetated tributaries.

PH: 5.5 – 7.5

Temperature: 23°C – 28C (73 – 82F)

Hardness: 5 – 12 dH

Description: Trigonostigma hengeli can reach a length of 3 cm in an aquarium.   This species has a small, translucent body and a slim, bright orange line extending laterally.  There is a black marking below the orange line; the orange and black become more intense when the fish is in good health.  This species is difficult to sex, but adult females are generally larger with a rounded belly.

Diet: Trigonostigma hengeli will eat almost anything, but you should feed it a varied diet that includes crumbled flake, pellets, Cyclops, Daphnia, mosquito larvae and brine shrimp.

Breeding: The Glowlight Rasbora will attach its eggs to broad leaves, as opposed to the usual Cyprinid practice of scattering the eggs.  Feed these fish a live-food diet before attempting the spawning process.  When you notice the female is full of eggs and the male is displaying a bright colouration, you should make a cool water change of about 40 – 50 per cent and introduce one or two pairs to the spawning container after about two hours.   Remove the parents as soon as you see the eggs on the underside of a plant leaf, as they exhibit no parental care.

Comments: Trigonostigma hengeli should be housed in a tank that is at least 60 litres in volume, even larger if possible.  This fish will prefer a heavily vegetated tank that resembles its natural environment, including floating plants, a sandy substrate and several roots and branches.  It is recommended your tank is dimly lit to simulate this species’ natural environment.  This species is quite easy to look after and is recommended to beginners.

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Recommended Compatible Species: Trigonostigma hengeli should be kept in large groups of at least 8 – 10.  They will live happily with Tetraspecies (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbaiand Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

Family: Cyprinidae

Distribution: Rasbora argyrotaenia, commonly known as Silver Rasbora, is an Asian freshwater species found in the Chao Phraya, Mekong and Mae Khlong basins, from the Malay Peninsula to Borneo, and in the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra.    

PH: 6.5 – 7.0

Temperature: 20°C – 26C (68 – 79F)

Hardness: 8 – 15 dH

Description: Puntius vittatus can reach a maximum length of around 12 cm.  This yellow- brown coloured species, which also has a silver sheen, has thin lips and a dark dorsal region; its scales are outlined by brown dots or lines

Diet: This herbivorous species feeds on algae in the wild, but there is evidence it also eats invertebrates.  It will probably accept most foods in an aquarium environment, including live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Artemia and Daphnia, along with flake and granules.

Breeding: It is unsure whether Rasbora argyrotaenia has been bred in the hobby.  This egg-scattering species will spawn best in a dimly-lit tank with a mesh netting at the base so the females can deposit their eggs effectively.  You can initiate spawning by adding a small amount of cool water every few hours.  It is probably a good idea to remove the adults as soon as you see the eggs in your tank; this species exhibits no parental care.  The eggs hatch between 18 – 48 hours and the young will be swimming in 24 – 48 hours later.

Comments: You could probably house a small group Silver Rasbora in a 255 litre tank.  Your tank should resemble its flowing river environment as closely as possible; a rocky substrate and some large boulders will be greatly appreciated.  Add a top to stop this species from jumping out of the tank.  Rasbora argyrotaenia requires careful attention to water quality and is suited to those with some experience keeping fish.

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Recommended Compatible Species: Rasbora argyrotaenia will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

Family: Cyprinidae

Distribution: Boraras maculatus, or Dwarf Rasbora, is a tiny cyprinid species distributed throughout the forest streams of Asia, from the Malay Peninsula through to the Indonesian island of Sumatra.  It has been seen in Singapore’s Nee Soon Swamp, and in parts of the Greater Sunda Islands. 

PH: 5.0 – 6.0

Temperature: 24°C – 26°C (74 – 79F)

Hardness: 5 – 12 dH

Description: Boraras maculatus grow to a tiny 2.5 cm in length and can differ greatly in pattern depending on distribution.  This species generally displays a red colouration, but some fish have a more intense colouration than others.  Its fins are generally a deep red colour, but can be clear with a red outline or even red with a black lining.  Males are slimmer than females and have a brighter, more intense colouration. 

Diet: In the wild, the Dwarf Rasbora feeds upon small crustaceans and worms, but quality flake food will go down nicely in the tank environment.  You can offer it live food – daphnia, grindal worms and brine shrimp – and it will be equally well received.

Breeding: Soft, acidic water conditions are ideal for breeding this species.  The Dwarf Rasbora will lay its eggs on plants, but the parents have been known to feast upon these very eggs. Remove the adult pair once the eggs have hatched – this usually happens within two days after the initial spawning – and the tiny youngsters can be given microscopic food after their first day of life.  You should wait at least 1 – 2 weeks before undertaking any water changes.

Comments: You should keep Boraras maculatus in a densely planted tank.  This species will appreciate driftwood and branches, along with a soft substrate to simulate its natural environment.  It should be housed in at least a 30 gallon tank and given some open areas to swim, even though it is a tiny species.  This species requires a lot of attention and may not be suitable for newcomers to the hobby.    

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Recommended Compatible Species: They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

Family: Cyprinidae

Distribution: Rasbora sarawakensis, commonly known as Sarawak Rasbora, is an Asian freshwater species found in Borneo and Sarawak, Malaysia.  It is also distributed in the West Kalimantan province in Indonesia, and the Mempawah and Melawi, in Kalimantan Barat.  It usually resides in slow forest streams littered with thick vegetation.

PH: 6.0 – 7.5

Temperature: 22°C – 26C (72 – 78F)

Hardness: 2 – 12 dH

Description: Rasbora leptosoma can reach a maximum length of around 4 cm.  It is a highly desirable species with a great array of colours; it has orange fins and a silver and electric blue midline.  Females are much more round-bellied and generally a bit larger than males.

Diet: This species probably eat invertebrates in the wild, but has a preference for dried foods in an aquarium environment.  You can feed it Daphnia, bloodworm and other live foods to prime it for breeding and also to bring out its best colours.

Breeding: Rasbora sarawakensis will spawn often when in good condition but, like most cyprinids, this egg-scatterer exhibits no parental care.  You should provide a mesh at the base of your tank for the eggs to fall through out of harm’s way, so as to stop them being eaten by the parents.  You could introduce a well-conditioned group of adults to a 30 litre tank that is only half-filled with water; spawning can be initiated by added small amounts of cold water every few hours.  The eggs will hatch in 18 – 48 hours; the fry will be swimming within the next 24 – 48 hours..

Comments: You can house a small group of Rasbora sarawakensis in a 70 litre tank.  Your tank should have plenty of open swimming space in the middle of the tank and a dark substrate to allow it to demonstrate its best colouration.  A cover of floating plants, along with some driftwood branches and a weak level of filtration, is recommended.  Sarawak Rasbora is reportedly tough to breed and requires a moderate level of care, making it better suited to hobbyists with some experience.

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Recommended Compatible Species: This peaceful, schooling fish can get nervous unless it is housed in groups of 8 – 10.  Serawak Rasbora will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

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Family: Cyprinidae

Distribution: Rasbora pauciperforata, commonly known as Red-striped Rasbora, is an Asian freshwater species found in Sumatra, Borneo, Singapore, and in the Malay Peninsula.  It tends to inhabit black water streams and forest peat swamps filled with fallen leaves, branches and twigs. 

PH: 5.0 – 7.5

Temperature: 23°C – 26C (73 – 79F)

Hardness: 5 – 12 dH

Description: Rasbora pauciperforata can reach a maximum length of around 7 cm.  It is an elongated, slender fish with an incomplete lateral line and a dorsal fin height that is greater than the depth of its body.  The lateral line can vary in colour from orange to golden depending on locality, condition, diet and mood.  Mature females are larger and generally more round-bellied than males.  

Diet: In the wild, this species eats worms, crustaceans, insects and zooplankton.  You can feed it Daphnia, Artemia, granules and a good quality flake to keep it healthy and vibrant.

Breeding: This egg-scattering species can spawn in a tank environment. It is a good idea to keep a large number of adults in a school and watch carefully for similar pairs.  You should make sure the water is slightly acidic and that you have a power filter that maintains its flow down the full length of the tank.  You can initiate spawning by adding small amounts of cold water to your tank.  The eggs will hatch after 18 – 48 hours; the fry will be swimming within the next 1 – 2 days and can be given nauplii and microworm at this stage.

Comments: You can house a small group of Red-striped Rasbora in an 85 litre tank.  Your tank should have plenty of open swimming space, lots of dried leaf litter and several roots and branches to simulate its natural environment.  It is recommended you have a soft, sandy substrate in the tank.  It may be a good idea to make sure the tank is dimly lit.  Rasbora pauciperforata is quite sensitive and is better suited to hobbyists with some experience.

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Recommended Compatible Species: This peaceful, schooling fish is best housed in groups of 8 – 10, with similarly-sized, active schoolers.  The Red-striped Rasbora will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

Family: Cyprinidae

Distribution: Rasbora elegans, commonly known as Elegant Rasbora, is an Asian freshwater species found in the Malay Peninsula, Singapore and the Greater Sunda Islands of Sumatra and Borneo.  It has been seen in swift forest streams, areas with stones, sand and gravel, as well as sluggish backwaters full of dense vegetation.

PH: 5.0 – 7.5

Temperature: 22°C – 25C (72 – 77F)

Hardness: 2 – 12 dH

Description: Rasbora elegans can reach a maximum length of around 20 cm.  This species lacks a dark stripe above the lateral line, making it distinguishable from other similar members of the genus.  It has two spot markings on each flake; the intensity of these spots can vary on the fish’s locality. Females are generally stockier and larger than males. Rasbora elegans can live for up to six years.

Diet: This omnivorous species will accept most foods in an aquarium environment.  You can feed it a staple diet of quality flake, supplemented twice a week with daphnia, bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Breeding: The Elegant Rasbora is an egg-scattering species that is best bred in a dimly lit tank.  You should add Java moss, spawning mops or fine-leaved plants to your tank as spawning sites.  It is a good idea to lower the water level to 7 – 8 inches when trying to breed this species.  The adults exhibit no parental care and will eat the eggs if given the chance.  Eggs will hatch within 24 – 48 hours and the fry can be fed Infusoria until large enough to receive crushed flake.

Comments: You can house a small group of Elegant Rasbora in a 255 litre tank.  Your tank should have plenty of open swimming space and, if possible, resemble a river as closely as possible.  The tank should be dimly lit and have several densely planted zones, driftwood branches and roots, a gravel substrate and some dried leaf litter in order to create a natural feel.  Have a tight lid to prevent Rasbora elegans from jumping out of the tank.  You should make plenty of water changes to keep this species happy; it requires spotless water conditions to thrive.  The Elegant Rasbora requires a reasonable amount of care and is recommended to hobbyists with experience.

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Recommended Compatible Species: Rasbora elegans is a lively, gregarious species, best housed in groups of at least six.  This fish displays its best colours when in the company of its own species.  They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

Family: Cyprinidae

Distribution: Rasbora dorsiocellata, commonly known as Eyespot Rasbora, is an Asian freshwater species found in the Malay Peninsula and in Sumatra, Indonesia; it lives in streams and areas with high acidity.

PH: 6.0 – 6.5

Temperature: 20°C – 25C (68 – 77F)

Hardness: 0 – 10 dH

Description: Rasbora dorsiocellata can reach a maximum length of around 6 cm.  This elongated fish has a reflective, silver colouration, and a pointed snout.  There may be a slight pink colour in the ventral area between the operculum and the pelvic fins.  The dorsal fin is white with a large, eye-shaped black oval, which is the reason for its common name.  Females have a fuller body than males, but it is a difficult species to sex.  This species has a life expectancy of 8 – 10 years.

Diet: This omnivorous species will accept most foods in an aquarium environment, including quality flake or pellets, brine shrimp and bloodworm.

Breeding: The Eyespot Rasbora is an egg-scattering species that requires soft, acidic water in order to breed in a captive environment.  You should add fine-leaved plants or Java Moss for the female to deposit her eggs on.  Feed the adults a life food diet to increase chances of effective spawning; you must remove the adults once you see the eggs in the tank.  The eggs will hatch in 24 – 36 hours and can be fed infusoria or freshly hatched brine shrimp once they are swimming freely.

Comments: You could probably house a small group of Eyespot Rasbora in a 60 litre tank.  Your tank should have plenty of open swimming space, as well as dark soil, shady areas and some densely planted zones.  Keep Rasbora dorsiocellata in soft, slightly acidic water and make sure the tank is well filtered.  This species requires moderate care and is suitable for people with some experience in the hobby.

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Recommended Compatible Species: Rasbora dorsiocellata should be housed in groups of at least six.  It can be a nipper of long-finned fish so avoid housing it with such species.  They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

1. Rasbora argyrotaenia  (Silver Rasbora)
2. Rasbora borapetensis  (Red Tail Rasbora, Blackline Rasbora)
3. Rasbora caudimaculata  (Red Tail Rasbora, Greater Scissortail)
4. Rasbora dorsiocellata  (Emerald Eye Rasbora, Eyespot Rasbora)
5. Rasbora dusonensis  (Yellow Tail Rasbora, Rosefin Rasbora)
6. Rasbora einthovenii  (Blue Line Rasbora, Brilliant Rasbora)
7. Rasbora elegans  (Two Spot Rasbora)
8. Rasbora kalochroma  (Clown Rasbora)
9. Rasbora leptosoma  (Copper Striped Rasbora)
10. Rasbora pauciperforata  (Red Line Rasbora)
11. Rasbora sarawakensis  (Sarawak Rasbora)
12. Rasbora steineri  (Gold Line Rasbora, Chinese Rasbora)
13. Rasbora trilineata  (Black Scissortail, Three-lined Rasbora)
14. Rasbora vaterifloris  (Flame Rasbora, Pearly Rasbora)
15. Trigonostigma hengeli  (Hengals Rasbora, Glowlight Rasbora)
16. Trigonostigma heteromorpha  (Harlequin Rasbora)