
You can feed the fish with plant foods, namely:
- white bread;
- dandelions;
- scalded lettuce;
What do rasboras eat?
Rasboras are not picky about food, so any kind of food is suitable for them, but their diet should be varied. In nature, this species feeds on insects, larvae, and worms, so that the inhabitants of the aquarium are also happy to eat live food. Rasbora can also be given dry and frozen food.
What do you feed a harlequin rasbora?
Feeding. Harlequin rasboras are omnivores in the wild, and need to be provided with a diet that reflects that in the home aquarium. The best way to recreate their diet is too provide herbivore fish food (Spriulina, Algae Wafers), regular fish flakes, and occasionally provide them with frozen foods or live foods.
How do you take care of a rasbora?
You need to give ready-made feed in small pieces as the mouth of the Rasbora is small and they cant swallow large particles. Once a week, You can feed them with bloodworms, as well as grated cheese or low-fat cottage cheese. Taking care of rasboras is quite simple, but it is challenging to breed this species at home.
Are rasboras the perfect fish for your aquarium?
If you like nano fish as much as I do, then rasboras might be the perfect fish for your tank. From the ever-popular harlequin rasboras to the tiny dwarf rasboras there’s a species to suit just about any aquarium.

How often should rasboras be fed?
A quality tropical fish flake food is sufficient for daily feeding. To maintain a harlequin rasbora's coloring, supplement with live or freeze dried worms and brine shrimp several times a week. Feed a school of rasboras three times a day, only as much as they will eat completely with in three minutes.
What do you feed micro rasboras?
Feeding Chili Rasboras They feed on tiny invertebrates like micro worms, seed shrimp, daphnia, insect larvae, and other free swimming critters.
What do you feed harlequin rasboras?
Harlequin Rasbora Diet and Feeding Rasboras are not picky eaters and enjoy a varied diet of high-quality flakes or granules and live foods such as daphnia and artemia. You can supplement this diet with meaty options such as freeze-dried bloodworms or tubifex worms.
Can harlequin rasboras eat vegetables?
Harlequin rasboras have small mouths, so they'll only be able to eat small particles. In the wild this means they're restricted to foods like plant detritus, small insect larvae, and eggs. Their omnivorous diet means they are opportunistic; they eat whatever comes their way.
Can rasboras eat bloodworms?
Since the rasboras dont feed off the surface as much as the rest of the tank, I deliberately drop a few bloodworms in the filter current so they can pick em off.
Do rasboras need heaters?
Celestial Pearl Danios, also known as Galaxy Rasboras, are a reasonable choice for small subtropical freshwater fish that do not require a heater in their aquarium.
How long can harlequin rasboras go without food?
Overview chart for individual fasting tolerances of popular freshwater fishType of fish:Period it can safely live with no food:Platiesbetween 10 and 14 daysMolliesup to 2 weeksAngelfishup to 1 weekRasborasup to 1 week15 more rows•Apr 13, 2020
Can rasboras eat algae wafers?
Harlequin rasboras are omnivores in the wild, and need to be provided with a diet that reflects that in the home aquarium. The best way to recreate their diet is too provide herbivore fish food (Spriulina, Algae Wafers), regular fish flakes, and occasionally provide them with frozen foods or live foods.
How do you tell if a rasbora is male or female?
0:583:35Simply Sexing Harlequin Rasbora: How to tell Male from FemaleYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd by far the easiest way to do this is to look at the base color of your fish. Not the blackMoreAnd by far the easiest way to do this is to look at the base color of your fish. Not the black triangle that covers the side of the tail nor the colour of the fins. As these can vary remarkably.
Can rasboras eat betta food?
Once again the food you should feed Chilli Rasboras will be similar to what you feed Bettas. They are omnivores, so make sure they're getting a balanced diet. Frozen, dried, flakes and live food are all great choices.
How many micro rasboras can go in a 5 gallon tank?
Chili Rasbora fish are a schooling species but, fortunately, they do not actively school so a 5-gallon tank will comfortably accommodate about 10 to 12 of them. They come in either orange or red colors and are arguably among the most brightly colored micro fish in the hobby.
Will harlequin rasboras eat shrimp?
The Harlequin Rasbora is omnivorous and not too picky about eating. It will likely eat fish flakes or pellets, but also needs a varied diet of frozen meaty and/or live meaty foods (such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and insect larvae) in order to breed or even show its best coloration.
What can I feed my chili rasbora?
Food & Diet Recommendations Chili Rasboras are considered micro predators. In the wild, they feed on microscopic sources of protein like plankton, worms, insects, and more. In captivity, these fish will eat pretty much anything you give them. They do quite well on a balanced diet of fish flakes or small pellets.
What do galaxy Rasboras eat?
The Galaxy Rasbora is an omnivore, and they are pretty easy to please when it comes to feeding. A staple diet of high-quality micro-pellets or flakes is fine, and you can include some frozen foods, such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Little Gems
Rasboras are schooling fish in the family Cyprinidae, which means they are related to barbs, danios, goldfish and koi. They are peaceful, colorful fish, and most species grow to less than 4 inches, making them ideal for small to mid-size aquariums.
A Rasbora's Natural Habitat
Rasboras are found throughout south and southeast Asia, including southeast China. They mostly inhabit gently flowing forest streams, but also occur in floodplains during the wet season. They prefer shallow water and abundant aquatic plant growth.
Water Requirements for Rasboras
While some rasboras, especially members of the genus Boraras, are collected in the wild where the water is very soft and slightly acidic, the majority of aquarium species sold today are raised commercially in water with higher pH and alkalinity than their native environment.
Housing Requirements for Rasboras
Rasboras are happiest in a well planted aquarium and they do best in groups of 7 or more. They will be less stressed and show their best colors in a well-decorated aquarium with dark substrate. The filter should provide a gentle current to simulate the slow-moving streams they live in in nature.
What do Rasboras Eat?
Most rasboras are considered micro-predators, meaning they feed on small insects, zooplankton, worms and tiny crustaceans in nature. They will thrive on Aqueon Tropical Flakes, Color Flakes, Tropical Granules and Shrimp Pellets. For extremely small species, crush dried foods to match their mouth size.
Rasboras Breeding Level – Difficult
Most rasbora species kept by aquarists are egg scatterers that distribute their eggs among plants and provide no parental care. Harlequin, lambchop and a few other species are known to attach their eggs to the underside of plant leaves.
Etymology and Origin of Harlequin Rasboras
The “Harlequin Rasbora” (Trigonostigma heteromorpha as its binomial name) is a fish introduced to the hobby in the 1900s, since then they have been hugely popular thanks to their small size easy-going nature, and lovely coloration.
Description of Harlequin Rasboras
It has been well documented that the Harlequin Rasbora is small in size. At 1.5 to 2 inches, (3.5 – 5 cm) they can fit into most tanks easily.
Lifespan of Harlequin Rasboras
The typical lifespan of the Harlequin Rasbora is between 3 and 5 years.
Typical Behaviour of Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin Rasboras are feeble and gentle fish who will not trouble other tank mates.
Feeding Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin Rasboras is an omnivore but prefers eating live food. They are classed as micro predators or micro-carnivores.
Keeping and Caring for Harlequin Rasboras
The Harlequin Rasbora is relatively hardy and resilient and doesn’t get sick often.
Harlequin Rasboras – Male and Female Differences
Male and female Harlequin Rasboras differ in appearance. However, it can be really hard to see in most cases.
What is the maximum temperature of a rasbora?
Temperature: 22–27 °C (71.5–80.5 °F) Maximum Size: 1.5 inches (4cm) The Harlequin Rasbora (originally named Rasbora heteromorpha, but recently changed to Trigonostigma heteromorpha) is a small fish native to Southeast Asia. It mainly inhabits streams and small bodies of water, most of which are located in the unique peat swamp forests.
Where do Harlequin rasboras live?
The Harlequin Rasbora (originally named Rasbora heteromorpha, but recently changed to Trigonostigma heteromorpha) is a small fish native to Southeast Asia. It mainly inhabits streams and small bodies of water, most of which are located in the unique peat swamp forests.
Is a Harlequin rasbora an omnivore?
Harlequin rasboras are omnivores in the wild, and need to be provided with a diet that reflects that in the home aquarium. The best way to recreate their diet is too provide herbivore fish food (Spriulina, Algae Wafers), regular fish flakes, and occasionally provide them with frozen foods or live foods. One of the best prepared foods available is Hikari Micro Wafers and I have used it for the numerous small fish that I keep.
Do Harlequin rasboras need a substrate?
Harlequin rasboras don’t have any special substrate requirements, and the substrate should be tailored to whether or not live plants are going to be added to the tank. If you are planning to add live plants, then gravel is the best choice, since it allows plants to easily root.
Can rasboras live in hard water?
While their habitat in the wild does consist of very soft water, the majority of harlequin rasboras available for sale have been raised in fish farms, and can adapt to a wide array of water types. If given enough time to acclimate, they will even do well in hard water aquariums, though they generally won’t successfully breed.
Can rasboras breed in aquariums?
The harlequin rasboras are notoriously difficult to breed in home aquariums, mainly due to the fact that they have very specific water requirements. They must be kept in soft, acidic water with a temperature of 28C (82.5F) to have any hope of breeding. This mimics their natural environment, and the water softness has been shown to have ...
Rasbora Facts & Overview
The name rasbora was introduced as a fish name by Francis Buchanan, a British zoologist, in Buchanan’s published book “An Account of the Fishes Found in the River Ganges and its Branches.” The first known use of “rasbora” was in 1931.
Types of Rasboras & Appearance
There are approximately 84 types of rasboras, according to FishBase. The main types of rasboras are:
Rasbora Behavior & Compatibility
Rasboras are peaceful, sociable fish that enjoy one another’s company. Some species of rasbora are timid and spend a lot of time hiding between the plants in the aquarium. Other species swim quickly and dart around the tank. It takes time for some rasboras to adjust to a new environment.
Rasbora Tank Setup
Some rasboras are easier to care for than others. For instance, lambchop rasboras have low care needs because these fish adapt well to their environments. Harlequin and galaxy rasboras are also easy to care for and suitable for beginners.
Rasbora Care
The most common rasboras, including Harlequin and Chili rasboras, are easy to care for as long as the tank parameters are spot-on. Rasboras are hardy fish that rarely fall ill when housed in the right environment.
Breeding Rasboras
Rasboras are easy to breed, and these fish have been known to breed without assistance from an aquarist.
Should You Get a Rasbora for Your Aquarium?
You should get a rasbora if your home aquarium has stable water temperatures, lots of nooks and crannies for exploration, and small, peaceful tank mates for a rasbora.
Quick Stats
Scientific Name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha Common Name: Harlequinn Rasbora Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful/Timid Diet: Omnivorous Temperature: 75–81 °F (24–27 °C) pH: around 6.4–7.0 Color Form: Silver Body with a Black Patch and Orange Fins Lifespan: 5-8 Years Size: Up to 2 inches Family: Cyprinidae Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons Tank Set-Up: Freshwater with Plants and Open Swimming Space Compatibility: Peaceful Community Aquarium.
Appearance & Habitat
Harlequin Rasbora has a bright appearance, but to make them feel good in the aquarium, it is best to buy several at once, since in nature, they swim in schools.
Harlequin Rasbora Care and Maintenance
Rasboras are unpretentious fish; they quickly adapt to new conditions. At the same time, they can be kept in small aquariums with a volume of at least 40 liters. There should be a shelter in the aquarium, as these little inhabitants love to hide.
Harlequin Rasbora Feeding
Rasboras are not picky about food, so any kind of food is suitable for them, but their diet should be varied. In nature, this species feeds on insects, larvae, and worms, so that the inhabitants of the aquarium are also happy to eat live food.
Harlequin Rasbora Breeding
Taking care of rasboras is quite simple, but it is challenging to breed this species at home. First of all, you should prepare a spawning aquarium. The water in it should be very soft, with a temperature not lower than +28 ° C.
Diseases and their Treatment
Harlequin rasboras are not demanding in care, but if you do not follow the simple rules of its maintenance, then it can become sick. The water temperature mustn’t be lower than +25 ° C. If this aquatic inhabitant stays in cold water for a long time below +20 ° C, then fungal diseases can affect him.
Species Summary
Rasboras are peaceful, colorful freshwater fish that like to live in communities in the wild and in a domestic tank. They are found in the gently flowing forest streams of Southeast Asia including China.
Care Guide
Most species of Rasbora need a minimum tank size of around 10 gallons and are ideal for small to medium sized aquariums. Some species of Rabora, like the dwarf emerald Rasbora, are even suitable for nano aquariums that can sit on a desktop, as they don’t grow larger than one inch.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of most varieties of Rasbora is around 6 years. This can differ between species, and is dependent on them living in a well-maintained tank with the correct water parameters.
Appearance
Rasbora are generally small in size with delicate fins which are often translucent. Some species have distinctive forked tails. Their bodies can be rounded or elongated, depending on the species.
Size
The size of these fish varies between species. Most species of Rasbora grow to less than 4 inches long. There are certain varieties that grow no bigger than one inch long.
Behaviour & Temperament
Rasbora are peaceful but not particularly shy, making them very popular with both beginner and experienced aquarists as they are a welcome addition to many home aquariums. They are confident and spend a lot of time swimming. They will not spend much time at the bottom of the tank.
Breeding
Breeding Rasboras in a domestic tank is notoriously difficult. In the wild, they provide little to no parental care, and scatter their eggs amongst the abundant plant life.
What Are Rasboras?
Rasboras are freshwater fish from the Cyprinidae family. That family might sound familiar because it is the same group that includes other well-known aquarium fish like barbs, goldfish, and koi.
11 Best Types Of Rasboras For Aquariums
Now that you know a little bit more about rasboras, it’s time to meet 11 great species that you can keep!
Rasbora Tank Setup
Rasboras make great nano fish for small aquariums. Even though they may be tiny, they tend to be very active fish, so a minimum tank size of about 10 gallons is recommended for most of the smaller species.
How To Care For Your Rasboras
Now that you know how to set up a great home for your fish, it’s time to learn how to keep them healthy. Rasboras are pretty easy to care for if you can maintain good water quality and feed them a quality diet. Choosing the right tankmates is also very important since these fish are so small.
Where to Buy Rasboras
Some of the different rasbora species are very common in the aquarium trade. Your local fish store probably sells a few popular species, and it’s always worth asking if they can track down something they don’t have in stock.
FAQs
Rasboras are peaceful, social fish that will enjoy schooling with other, similar-sized species. It is best to keep at least 6 individuals of each species in your aquarium, even though your different rasboras will probably school together.
Final Thoughts
Rasboras are probably the best nano schooling fish in the aquarium hobby. These fish are small, peaceful, colorful, and pretty easy to care for. If you’re looking for a fish to put into a planted nano tank, look no further!
How many rasboras can you have in a tank?
With the Dwarf Rasbora, you can have a large school of fish in a moderately sized tank. Also known as Pygmy Rasboras, these fish prefer to be in groups of at least half a dozen. But, they do best when you have 20 or more!
What is the name of the rasbora in the aquarium?
Harlequin Rasbora. Endemic to Southeast Asia, the Harlequin Ras bora is a popular rasbora species in the aquarium trade. With their head-turning appearance, it’s not hard to see why. They have a diamond-shaped body with a dramatic taper to the tail. Most of the body is covered in a pinkish-orange hue.
What is a scissortail rasbora?
Scissortail Rasbora. If you’re looking for an active fish that can keep you entertained, the Scissortail Rasbora may be for you. These fish are strong swimmers. They prefer a lot of open space so that they can dart from one end of the tank to the other! Scissortail Rasboras aren’t too picky when it comes to decor.
What color is a pheonix rasbora?
With its striking coloration, the Pheonix Rasbora is a highly sought-after species among aquarists. From a distance, the fish displays a ruby red color. Upon closer inspection, you can start to see a lot of beautiful details.
What is the best fish to keep in a group?
2. Chili Rasbora. The Chili Rasboras is a beautiful schooling fish that can add some great color to your aquarium. Best kept in groups, these tiny fish rely on social behaviors to stay healthy and safe. Even still, they can sometimes come off as timid before they get comfortable with the environment.
Where do clown rasboras come from?
However, choosing appropriate tank mates can be tough due to the fish’s unique needs. This type of rasbora comes from blackwater streams associated with forest peat swamps.
What is the mark on a Harlequin Rasbora?
Stretching from the dorsal fin to the base of the caudal fin, this mark is similar to the wedge-shaped patch on the Harlequin Rasbora. But, the mark on this fish resembles the shape of a lambchop! It adds some eye-catching contrast to the fish’s body, which is pretty plain. They’re covered in bright red or orange.
