Eyespot Rasbora Care Guide
Rasbora dorsiocellata is a compact Southeast Asian rasbora with a dark spot on the dorsal fin, a peaceful schooler for soft, acidic blackwater tanks.
Overview
Rasbora dorsiocellata, the eyespot rasbora, is a compact cyprinid named for the dark spot on its dorsal fin. Now often placed in the genus Brevibora, it is a peaceful, highly social schooling fish well suited to soft, acidic aquariums.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Rasbora
- Scientific name: Rasbora dorsiocellata
- Order: Cypriniformes
Habitat
The species occurs in southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra, with the type locality the Muar River in Johore, Malaysia. It inhabits gently flowing blackwater streams and rivers linked to ancient forest peat swamps, where the water is soft, acidic and stained with tannins.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: 6-10 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
It is an omnivorous micropredator feeding on small insects, worms and crustaceans. In captivity it accepts suitably sized dried foods but should also receive daily small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia and Artemia.
Compatibility
A highly peaceful, middle-water schooling fish best kept in groups of eight to ten. Compatible companions include the harlequin rasbora and corydoras; aggressive species should be avoided.
Breeding
It is a continuous egg-scatterer with no parental care. Incubation takes roughly 18-48 hours, and fry become free-swimming within one to two days of hatching.