Red-line Rasbora, Red-stripe Rasbora Rasbora pauciperforata | PicturesSynonyms: Rasbora
leptosoma Physical description: An elongated fish with a forked tail.
The back is olive brown and the body
is brownish-gray.
The belly is white.
The fins are all smoky-gray.
Under favorable conditions, fish develop
a bright red stripe that runs from the tip of he snout, through the upper part of the iris, and to the caudal fin.
Size/Length: 2.8" (7 cm)
Similar species: Glowlight Tetra (
H. erythrozonus )
Habitat: Found in still to slow-moving, blackwater streams and creeks that have overhanging
and overgrown vegetation.
South east Asia; Malaysia, Sumatra.
S: top
Aquarium: A tank measuring 28" (71 cm) with a capacity of 20-25 gallons (75-98 gallons) is
adequate.
A cover of floating plants along with a dark substrate are recommended.
Plant the tank heavily, but leave some
open swimming areas at the middle and top levels.
Peat filtration is suggested.
Water chemistry: pH 5-7 (6.2), 0-6 dH (2), 73-79°F (23-26°C)
Social behavior: A peaceful, schooling fish of the upper and middle swimming levels.
Combine with similarly sized, active
schooling fishes.
Suggested companions: Colisa,
Corydoras, Apistogramma, Loricarids, Loaches, Danios, hatchetfish,
Rasboras FOOD: Live; Drosophila
, insects, Tubifex
, crustaceans, insect larvae; flakes.
Sexual differences: Females are plumper especially around spawning times.
Breeding techniques: Use water with a pH from 5.5-6.0, a water hardness from 2-3 dH, and a temperature from
79-84°F (26-29°C).
Plant the tank heavily with fine leafed and grassy plants.
Pairs are very selective about their
partners.
Try keeping a large number of fish in a school, and watch for similar pairs.
The eggs are scattered among these plants
and hatch after 24-28 hours.
The fry are free-swimming 3-5 days later and can be fed with
Infusoria, roftiers, and liquid foods.
The
young are sensitive to changes in water changes.
Breeding potential: 8.
Breeding is very difficult.
Some success has been reported with keeping a school of 8-12 fish in
a large, well-planted tank containing only this species.
A few eggs often remain undiscovered and the
fry survive to maturity.
Remarks: The Red-line Rasbora has a brighter red stripe than the Glowlight Tetra.
Recommend
frequent partial water changes as this species is sensitive to water pollutants.
Difficulty of care: 4.
A somewhat sensitive species that is an excellent community companion.
