Brilliant Rasbora Care Guide
Rasbora einthovenii is a slim Sundaland rasbora with a dark lateral line on a coppery body, a peaceful schooler from blackwater peat-swamp streams.
Overview
Rasbora einthovenii, the brilliant rasbora, is a slim cyprinid with a thin dark lateral line running along a coppery body. It is a very peaceful, gregarious schooling fish from the blackwater streams of Sundaland.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Rasbora
- Scientific name: Rasbora einthovenii
- Order: Cypriniformes
Habitat
The species is native to southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo and Sumatra. It mostly inhabits blackwater streams and rivers associated with ancient forest peat swamps, where the water is stained brown by tannins, acidic and very soft.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
It is an omnivorous micropredator feeding in the wild on small insects, worms, crustaceans and zooplankton. In captivity it accepts dried foods but performs best on small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia and Artemia.
Compatibility
A very peaceful, middle-water schooling fish best kept in groups of six or more, which improves colour and reduces nervousness. Suitable companions include other Asian tetras and corydoras; aggressive species should be avoided.