Fire Rasbora

Introduction


The body shape of this species is much deeper than majority of the rasboras, tapering rapidly behind the dorsal fin to a narrow caudal peduncle.Body color may be fiery orange , pink or blue but fins are always pinkish red.It has the same shape as Harlequin Rasbora but lacks the dark triangle flank marking.

Common Name



Fire rasbora, Pearly rasbora, Vateria flower rasbora, Fire barb


Species


Rasbora vaterifloris


Habitat 


Mountain streams in Sri Lanka.


Maximum Size


About 1.6"/4cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/70.8 litres is big enough to house a group.


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  



77 - 84°F/25 - 29°C


pH


5.0 - 7.0.


Hardness


2 - 8°H


Remark 


A gray strain called the Pearly Rasbora is available.

Scissortail Rasbora

Introduction


The caudal fin of the Scissortail is deeply forked and on prime specimens it is marked with bold black and white areas ; other fins are colorless.Body is grayish green with a shiny, silvery belly.Sexual difference include larger girth of male and  the more intense colors of breeding males.  

Common Name



Spot-tail Rasbora, Scissortail ,Rasbora trilineata,Three lined Rasbora, Black Scissor Tail


Species


Rasbora trilineata.


Habitat 


Streams and rivers in Borneo ,Sumatra; also Malaysia.


Maximum Size


About 3.5"/8cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring at least 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres.


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  



72°F - 79°F (22°C - 26°C)


pH


5.0 - 8.0.


Hardness


2 - 12°H


Remark 


This fish twitches its caudal fin in a characteristic scissor action when at rest.

Red Striped Rasbora

Introduction


The dorsal surface of this greeny brown fish shades to silver below a striking red line.This red line runs from the snout, over the eye, and to the rear edge of the caudal peduncle.It is emphasized by a narrow blue-black line below it.Males have a flat ventral surface and the female is more rounded.The sac containing the internal organs is visible.


Common Name


Red-Striped Rasbora, Rasbora pauciperforata.


Species


Rasbora pauciperforata.


Habitat 


Streams and rivers in Sumatra and Malaysia


Maximum Size


About 2.2"/5.5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


About 15 gallons.


Diet 


It is omnivorous.They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  


75 - 82.4°F/24 - 28°C


pH


6.8-7.0.


Remark 


These active fish appreciates a well planted aquarium with space for schooling.Spawning is possible after natural pairing.

Spotted Rasbora

Introduction


The Spotted Rasbora is not uniform in shape as compared to Clown Rasbora (opposite); the caudal peduncle, in particular is longer and narrower. Similarity is found in the dark spots along the flanks.The fins of this species may be reddish, and the dorsal has black and pink front rays.The ventral profile of the male is flat.

Common Name


Dwarf Rasbora, Spotted Rasbora, Pygmy Rasbora.


Species


Rasbora maculata.


Habitat 


Streams and rivers in Sumatra, Malaysia and Singapore.


Maximum Size


About 1"/2.5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


Though small it still needs space to swim and dominant males will form temporary territories when spawning so a group is best kept in a tank measuring at least 18" x 10" x 10"/45cm x 25cm x 25cm/29.5 litres..


Diet 


It is omnivorous.They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  


75 - 79°F/24 - 26°C


pH


4.5 - 6.5.


Hardness


1 - 5°H


Remark 


Small aquariums will suffice if tankmates are small.

Clown Rasbora

Introduction


Large blue-black blotches occur on this species between the rear port of the dorsal fin and the front of the anal fin ; a smaller spot appears midway between the dorsal fin and the rear edge of the gill cover.The pink-orange body is covered with violent iridescent scales, hence the alternative common name .There may be extra scattered spots on some specimens.

Common Name


Clown Rasbora, Iridescent Rasbora


Species


Rasbora kalachroma


Habitat 


Streams and rivers in Borneo and Sumatra.


Maximum Size


About 3.5"/9cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


An active species and a group will need a tank measuring at least 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres.


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  



73 - 82°F/23 - 28°C.


pH


5.0 - 7.5.


Hardness


2 - 12°H


Remark 


This fish is only occasionally available.It is best kept in neutral moderately head water, without salt.

Harlequin Rasbora

Introduction


The distinguishing mark of the Harlequin Rasbora is a blue-black triangle patch on the flank, tapering back in the caudal peduncle.Coloration is olive-green on the dorsal surface, shading down to silver.Mature males have a straighter front edge and a more pointed lower corner to the triangle ; the female body is considerably plumper.

Common Name



Harlequin Rasbora, Red Rasbora, Harlequin fish


Species


Rasbora heteromorpha


Habitat 


Forest streams and rivers in Thailand, Malaysia and Sumatra.


Maximum Size


About 1.5"/4cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


About 10 gallon


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  


22 to 25°C (73 to 82° F).



pH


5.0 - 7.0.


Hardness


2 - 12°H


Remark 


After a courtship ritual by the male , eggs are laid and fertilized on the underside of a broad leaf.

Elegant Rasbora

Introduction

A pale, greenish brown dorsal surface shades down to silvery flanks on this rasbora , a violent sheen is seen under side lighting .There are two blue-black blotches on the body; one below the dorsal surface, which is distinctly square , and  one at the end of the caudal peduncle.A further dark mark runs along the base of the anal fin.This fish has large eyes.

Common Name


Rasbora elegans, Elegant Rasbora



Species


Rasbora elegans



Habitat 


Flowing and stationary waters of Borneo, Malaysia and Sumatra


Maximum Size


About 5"/13cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


It's an active species and a tank measuring at least 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres  is needed to house a group.


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  


72 - 77°F/22 - 25°C


pH


5.0 - 7.5.


Hardness


2 - 12°H


Remark 

This large, active species requires plenty of swimming space in a well-planted aquarium.

Brilliant Rasbora

Introduction

The body of this pinkish brown fish may carry violent overtones, depending on lighting conditions.A blue-black line runs from the top of the snout to the rear edge of the caudal fin.Females are plumper and more deep-set than males.

Common Name


Brilliant Rasbora,Rasbora einthoveni



Species


Rasbora einthoveni



Habitat 


Flowing and stationary waters of Borneo, Malaysia , Sumatra and Thailand.


Maximum Size


About 3.5"/9cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


It's an active species and a tank measuring at least 48" x 12" x 12"/120cm x 30cm x 30cm/113 litres is needed to house a group.


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  


72 - 79°F/22 - 26°C


pH


5.0 - 7.5.



Hardness


2 - 10°H


Remark 

A hardy and active species , this fish can tolerate temperatures as low as 65 °F (18°C )

Eye-Spot Rasbora

Introduction

The coloration of this species is golden-green, gradually shading down to white.The dorsal fin has a distinctive white-edged , dark blotch ; all other fins are relatively plain.The female body is deeper than the male; he may have some more definite colors in the fins.

Common Name


Rasbora dorsiocellata, ocellated rasbora, hi-spot rasbora, and eye-spot rasbora


Species


Rasbora dorsiocellata



Habitat 


Streams and rivers of the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra.


Maximum Size


About 2.5"/6.5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A group will need a tank measuring a minimum of 18" x 12" x 12"/45cm x 30cm x 30cm/42.5 litres.


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  


68 - 77°F/20 - 25°C


pH


5.0 - 7.5.



Hardness


1 - 10°H


Remark 

This fish is best kept in small schools in a well-planted aquarium, where spawning may occur.A smaller subspecies Rasbora dorsiocellata macrophthalma ,grows to only half the size of this species show here and has vivid blue eyes.

Slender Rasbora

Introduction

This fish has an elongate body with slight with slight curves on the dorsal and ventral profiles.Its body coloration is silver with overtones of purple, green or yellow.A blue-black line runs the length of the fish.The fins of the male have a yellowish tinge, and the female body shape is slightly deeper.

Common Name


Black-line Rasbora, Rasbora daniconius,Slender Rasbora


Species


Rasbora  daniconius


Habitat 


Streams and rivers of Burma, the Great Sunda Islands, Thailand, Southeast India and Sri Lanka.


Maximum Size


About 3.5"/9cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/70.8 litres is big enough to house a small group of these active fish.


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  


71 - 80° F (22 - 27° C)


pH


7.0 - 7.5



Hardness


8 - 17° dH


Remark 

This fish is similar in appearance to Rasboara einthoveni (opposite).It will usually reach twice the given size in the wild.

Giant Scissortail

Introduction




The predominant feature of the Giant Scissortail is its deeply forked and distinctively colored.The yellow areas on each tail fork culminate in a white-tipped black patch at each extremity.There is s slight increase in the girth of females preparing to breed.

Common Name


Giant Scissortail, Spot-tailed Rasbora.


Species


Rasbora caudimaculata


Habitat 


Streams and small rivers in Thailand, Malaysia and Sumatra.


Maximum Size


About 6"/15cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


Recommended a tank of at least 25 gallons.




Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  


68- 79°F/20 - 26°C


pH


6.5 - 7.0



Hardness


   

dH range: 9 - 17


Remark 


This highly active fish requires plenty of swimming space.

Red Tailed Rasbora

Introduction

The slim pale yellow body has a distinctive dark band from the gill cover to the end of the caudal peduncle,  accentuated by a thin gold band above it.A dark line also runs along  the base of the anal fin.The caudal fin is red on prime, mature specimens , giving the fish its common name.Males are the slimmer sex.

Common Name


Red-Tailed Rasbora


Species


Rasbora borapetensis


Habitat 


Streams in Thailand.


Maximum Size


About 2"/5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/70.8 litres is big enough to house a small group of these active fish.

Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  


72 - 78°F/22 - 26°C


pH


6.0 - 7.5

Hardness


2 - 12°H


Remark 

These fish are prolific breeder but eat their eggs.A well-filtered medium-size aquarium with plenty of space suits this active species.

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Introduction

A thin gold line, overlaid by blue lines, runs from the eye to the end of the caudal peduncle, where it terminates in a dark patch surrounded by red.The  dorsal , pelvic and anal fins are edged with red, yellow or white and the scales are dark edged.

Common Name


Tanichthys albonubes,White Cloud Mountain Minnow


Species


Tanichthys albonubes


Habitat 


Hills streams and lakes in China.



Maximum Size


About 2"/5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/70.8 litres is big enough to house a small group of these active fish.

Diet 


Accept most food sources and will readily accept flake food when kept in aquariums..A good quality dried product can be used as the staple diet but this should be supplemented with regular meals of small live and frozen fare such as bloodworm, Daphnia, Artemia, etc. for the fish to develop the best colouration and conditioning.


Water Temperature  


60- 72°F/16 - 22°C


pH


6.0 - 8.0


Hardness


5 - 20°H


Remark 


A good choice for first time breeder.

Giant Danio

Introduction

The Giant Danio's body is pale blue, with three or four vertical lines from the gill cover to the caudal peduncle.Females have bodies of greater depth and their yellow lines turn up at the beginning of the caudal fin/

Common Name


Devario aequipinnatus,Giant Danio, Danio malarbaricus


Species


Danio aequipinnatus


Habitat 


Hills streams of southwest India and Sri Lanka.



Maximum Size


About 4"/10cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


About 30 gallons.


Diet 


Accept most food sources and will readily accept flake food when kept in aquariums..A good quality dried product can be used as the staple diet but this should be supplemented with regular meals of small live and frozen fare such as bloodworm, Daphnia, Artemia, etc. for the fish to develop the best colouration and conditioning.


Water Temperature  


65- 81°F/18 - 27°C


pH


6.0 - 8.0


Hardness


5 - 20dh


Remark 



This fish is extremely active and requires plenty of space.It looks best when kept in school.

Zebra Danio

Introduction

This fish has a base color of silver or gold,strikingly marked by a number of bright blue or purple horizontal lines running from the head to the rear edge of the caudal fin.This pattern is repeated in the anal and caudal fin; the dorsal area is yellowish olive.The long-finned variety is aquarium developed.All males are slimmer and smaller than the females.

Common Name


Zebrafish, Danio rerio, Zebra Danio


Species


Brachydanio rerio.


Habitat 


The wild species is from the east India.



Maximum Size


About 1.5"/4.5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A standard 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/70.8 litre tank is big enough to house a group.


Diet 


Stomach analyses of wild specimens have revealed this species to be chiefly insectivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic/terrestrial insects and their larvae.A good quality dried product can be used as the staple diet but this should be supplemented with regular meals of small live and frozen fare such as bloodworm, Daphnia, Artemia, etc. for the fish to develop the best colouration and conditioning.


Water Temperature  


 64- 76°F/17.8 - 24.4°C


pH


6.0 - 8.0

Hardness


5 - 20°H


Remark 

This is a very active species, constantly on the move in the upper levels of the water, a group is recommended.It is prolific spawner, which makes it good choice for breeding attempts, but precaution should be taken to prevent the adult from eating the eggs, even though the eggs me be lodged in densely leaved plants provide for the purpose.Selective breeding has produced both long-finned and veil-filed strains.

Leopard Danio

Introduction


Leopard like spots on  a gold  background  give these fish their popular name.The long-finned variety has been aquarium developed.Spots are smaller and closer together on the upper body, giving a dark appearance; the spots may also group together to form interrupted ''lines'' particularly on the caudal peduncle.Faint patterning is apparent in the yellowish anal fin ad center of the caudal fin.The female is usually larger than the male, even outside the breeding season, with a more convex body line.

Common Name 


Spotted or Leopard Danio.


Species


Brachydanio frankei


Habitat 


The wild species is from southern and central India ; also ranging into the Malay peninsula.


Maximum Size


About 1.5"/4.5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A standard 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/70.8 litre tank is big enough to house a group.


Diet 


Stomach analyses of wild specimens have revealed this species to be chiefly insectivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic/terrestrial insects and their larvae.A good quality dried product can be used as the staple diet but this should be supplemented with regular meals of small live and frozen fare such as bloodworm, Daphnia, Artemia, etc. for the fish to develop the best colouration and conditioning.


Water Temperature  


65 - 75.8°F/18 - 24°C


pH


6.0 - 8.0


Hardness


5 - 12°H


Remark 


The classification of this species is argued over since its introduction to the aquarium, a process further complicated by its ready hybridization with brachydanio rerio and B.albolineatus .Some authorities assume it to be offspring of one of these two species.

Blue Danio

Introduction



Normally gray-blue with iridescences , the variable colors of this fish take on delicate  pastel blue luster under side lighting and especially  when spawning .Two thin gold lines run back from the dark-centered  , gold-rimmed eye to the end of the caudal peduncle.Fins are generally translucent green, but some may show yellow shading.Sexual difference in this species include more intense colors in the male and a deeper female body.

Common Name 



Blue Danio , Kerr's Danio



Species



Brachydanio kerri


Habitat 


Streams on island in the Bay of Bengal off the west coast of Thailand.


Maximum Size


About 2"/5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 



A standard 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/70.8 litre tank is big enough to house a group.


Diet 


Stomach analyses of wild specimens have revealed this species to be chiefly insectivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic/terrestrial insects and their larvae.A good quality dried product can be used as the staple diet but this should be supplemented with regular meals of small live and frozen fare such as bloodworm, Daphnia, Artemia, etc. for the fish to develop the best colouration and conditioning.


Water Temperature  



72 - 78.8°F/22 - 26°C


pH


5.0 - 7.5


Hardness




5 - 12°H


Remark 


The Blue Danio shares the aquarium requirements of the similarity formed Pearl Danio.

Pearl Danio

Introduction

Mature specimens of the Pearl Danio are gray-green , with iridescences.Body coloration varies depending  upon lighting conditions ;  under sidelighting , and especially when spawning, the fish takes an attractive pearly, blue-violent luster.A thin gold line runs along the rear of the body.Fins are generally translucent green, but some may show red or yellow shading at their bases.The female has a deeper body.

Common Name 


Pearl Danio,Brachydanio albolineatus

Species


Brachydanio albolineatus


Habitat 

Reasonably fast-flowing streams in Myanmar (Burma), Sumatra and Thailand.


Maximum Size


About 2"/5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/27 litre tank is ideal for a small group of these.Planted tank with plenty of cover for this timid shoaling species. Avoid overly bright lighting, or provide shade.



Diet 


It is Omnivorous.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.Feed the fry newly hatched brine shrimp until large enough to accept crushed flake food


Water Temperature  



72 - 80°F/22 - 27°C


pH


6.0 - 8.0


Hardness

5 - 19 dGH,


Remark 


This fish is an excellent jumper and needs large tank fitted with a secure hood.

Walker's Barb

Introduction


The body of this African barb is not as deep as those of the Asian barbs and slightly more elongated.It is golden brown with well defined scales.Three equally spaced dark spots appear on the flanks with a further indistinct spot just below the dorsal fin.The front two spots are connected by a dark zigzag line.Mouth and eyes are large.There are dark speckles in the dorsal fin and the gill cover is reddish gold.

Common Name 


Walker's Barb, Barbus walkeri

Species


Barbus walkeri


Habitat 


Coastal rivers in Ghana.


Maximum Size


About 4"/10cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/27 litre tank is ideal for a small group of these.Planted tank with plenty of cover for this timid shoaling species. Avoid overly bright lighting, or provide shade.



Diet 


It is Omnivorous.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.


Water Temperature  



72 - 78°F/22 - 26°C


pH


5.0 - 7.0


Hardness


5 - 12°H


Remark 


Walker's barb is similar in appearence to the Three-spot Barb, another African species.

Banded Barb

Introduction


The shape of the Banded Barb is typical of the genus.An olive green dorsal surface shades down to a greenish silver belly.Large scales may show iridescences under favorable lighting conditions.A dark spot appear on the base of the caudal peduncle.All fins are faintly greenish yellow, but the dorsal fin has an oblique black band passing through it from which the common name is derived.

Common Name 


Puntius vittatus, Banded barb, Barbus vittatus,


Species


Barbus vittatus


Habitat 


Streams and rivers throughout India and Sri Lanka.


Maximum Size


About 2"/6cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/27 litre tank is ideal for a small group of these.Planted tank with plenty of cover for this timid shoaling species. Avoid overly bright lighting, or provide shade.



Diet 


It is Omnivorous.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.


Water Temperature  



72 - 78°F/22 - 26°C


pH


5.0 - 7.0


Hardness


5 - 12°H


Remark 


This species is not common, as the aquarium market tends to favor more colorful barbs.