Details of all species referred to in these Fish Care Sheets can be found in the FBAS Booklet No 6 - National Show Fish Sizes. Click HERE for information.

                                            Rasboras                            01/04/2000

Species: Rasbora, Microrasbora, Trignostigma and Rasboroides.

Family: Cyprinidae.

Geographic Origin: S/East Asia, India.

Common Names: Harlequin, Scissortail , Elegant Rasbora, Red-tail Rasbora.

Compatibility: Generally active fish that are best kept in a shoal of at least
                      six fish. Not aggressive towards one another or to tank mates.
                      A good beginners fish.

Minimum Aquarium Size: The smaller species can be kept in a 450mm x 250mm
                                      x 250mm (18" x 10" x 10") aquarium.
                                     A tank 900mm x 380mm x 300mm (36" x 15" x 12")
                                     is suitable for the larger species such as the
                                     Scissortail and Sumatrana.
                                     Aquariums should have well fitting lids and cover
                                     glasses. These fish can jump extremely well.

Temperature: Ideal temperature is around 20^oC/68^oF, but quite happy at
                     higher or lower temperatures.

Habitat: Prefers a well planted community tank, with a gravel substrate and
              water movement particularly from the outlet of an internal filter.

Water Parameters: Tolerant to soft and hard water. Will generally only breed
                             in soft acid water. Water change of approximately 25%
                             each week is beneficial.

Health: Generally not over susceptible to White Spot or fungus. As with all
            new fish, quarantine for at least one week in a separate tank.
            Any fish that appears sick, isolate immediately in a separate tank.
            Do not flush dead fish down the toilet. Incinerate or wrap in paper
            and put in the dustbin.

Diet: Omnivorous: these fish will accept dried, frozen and all types of live
         food (e.g. Daphnia, mosquito larvae). Do not overfeed.
         Many problems can be caused by overfeeding (pollution of water by
         decaying food).

Plants: All species of tropical plants are acceptable. Not plant eaters.

Breeding Note : Not all Rasboras are egg-scatters; the Harlequin deposits
   eggs on the underside of a plant leaf.

Availability: Widely available. Only select fish that are alert and swimming
                   with fins erect.Inspect carefully for signs of disease.
                   Reject lethargic, damaged or hollow bellied specimens.

Special Note: Two species are regarded as difficult to keep for the
                      inexperienced aquarist. Rasbora kalachroma and Rasboroides
                      vaterifloris generally only thrive in soft acid water. Unless you
                      can provide these conditions, they are best avoided.

Show Class: FBAS Class J.

© FBAS 2000. PWC/RDE.                                Fish Care Sheet 18 1/1

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