Clown Rasbora Care Guide
Rasbora kalochroma is a larger reddish rasbora from Sundaland with two dark flank spots, a peaceful schooler needing soft, acidic blackwater conditions.
Overview
Rasbora kalochroma, the clown rasbora, is a larger reddish cyprinid marked with two dark spots on each flank. Despite some reports to the contrary it is a schooling fish, peaceful in temperament and requiring soft, acidic conditions to thrive.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Rasbora
- Scientific name: Rasbora kalochroma
- Order: Cypriniformes
Habitat
The species is native to Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra, ranging from Sarawak through West Kalimantan to the Barito drainage of South Kalimantan. It inhabits dimly lit blackwater streams and rivers associated with ancient forest peat swamps, where the water is acidic and stained brown by decomposing matter.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 4.5-6.5
- GH: 1-5 °dGH
- School size: 6-10 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
It is an omnivore that feeds primarily on invertebrates. In the aquarium it should receive daily live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia alongside quality dried flakes.
Compatibility
A peaceful, middle-water schooling fish requiring a group of at least eight to ten and suited to soft-water community tanks. It is an accomplished jumper, so a secure cover is required; hard-water species should be avoided.
Breeding
It is a continuous egg-scatterer with no parental care, and fry may appear naturally in mature, well-planted aquariums.