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
Minimum Aquarium Size: The smaller species can be kept in a 450mm x 250mm
Temperature: Ideal temperature is around 20oC/68oF, but quite happy at
Habitat: Prefers a well planted community tank, with a gravel substrate and
Water Parameters: Tolerant to soft and hard water. Will generally only breed
Health: Generally not over susceptible to White Spot or fungus. As with all
Diet: Omnivorous: these fish will accept dried, frozen and all types of live
Plants: All species of tropical plants are acceptable. Not plant eaters.
Breeding Note : Not all Rasboras are egg-scatters; the Harlequin deposits
Special Note: Two species are regarded as difficult to keep for the
Show Class: FBAS Class J.
© FBAS 2000. PWC/RDE. Fish Care Sheet 18 1/1
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six fish. Not aggressive towards one another or to tank mates.
A good beginners fish.
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.
higher or lower temperatures.
water movement
particularly from the outlet of an internal filter.
in soft acid water. Water change of approximately 25%
each week is beneficial.
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.
food (e.g. Daphnia, mosquito larvae). Do not overfeed.
Many problems can be caused by overfeeding (pollution of water by
decaying food).
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.
inexperienced aquarist. Rasbora kalachroma and Rasboroides
vaterifloris generally only thrive in soft acid water. Unless you
can provide these conditions, they are best avoided.
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