Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They have a very peaceful, schooling temperament that adds life to the aquarium. They are generally timid if kept in groups that are too small. When kept in a proper school, they display fascinating social dynamics.

Diet

Omnivore

They are predominantly insectivorous in the wild, feeding on small bugs and larvae. In captivity, they eagerly accept high-quality flakes and micro-pellets. Regular feedings of live or frozen bloodworms and daphnia are highly beneficial.

Sex ratio

School

They fare best in mixed-sex schools of eight or more individuals. Males will display vibrant colors to attract females and establish hierarchy. Females are generally larger and have rounder bellies when full of eggs.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Offering them two small meals a day is ideal for their digestion. Only feed what they can completely consume in about three minutes. This frequent, small-meal approach keeps them active and healthy.

Bioload

The Brilliant Rasbora produces a low to moderate bioload depending on the school size. They are sensitive to poor water quality, making regular maintenance crucial. Efficient filtration is needed to keep ammonia and nitrites strictly at zero.

Flow

Stagnant

They prefer calm to moderately flowing water environments. Slow-moving forest streams are their natural habitat, so avoid turbulent flow. Gentle circulation provided by a standard canister or sponge filter is perfect.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Breeding occurs through continuous egg-scattering among fine-leaved plants like Java moss. They do not care for their young and will eat their own eggs. A dedicated, dimly lit breeding tank is necessary to raise the fry successfully.

Compatibility & tankmates

They are extremely peaceful community fish suitable for Southeast Asian biotope setups. Good companions include other peaceful rasboras, small loaches, and gouramis. Aggressive or overly large fish will cause them to hide constantly.

Tank level

Top/Middle

They are classic middle-level swimmers, preferring the open water column. They will often school tightly when exploring or if they feel threatened. Providing plenty of swimming space alongside dense planting is highly recommended.