Silver-gold with a black line running the length of the body and a flash of red at the base of the tail, like a spark trailing behind it. Tough, active and unfairly overlooked.
Temperament
Common health issues
- Ich (white spot)
- Fin rot
- Skin conditions
- Swim bladder disorder
Care at a glance
- ExerciseHigh
A busy, energetic swimmer โ keep plenty of open swimming room.
- GroomingEasy tank upkeep
No grooming here โ steady water quality and routine tank care do it.
- Living spaceNano-tank friendly
Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
- Owner experienceFor experienced owners
Rewards owners who know the ropes.
- Commitment4โ6 years
Plan for a long, loving relationship.
Health to watch: Ich (white spot) ยท Fin rot ยท Skin conditions
๐ Care guide
The Blackline or Redtail Rasbora (Rasbora borapetensis) comes from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and the Malay Peninsula, living in ditches, canals and slow streams, and reaches about 5 to 6 cm. A crisp black line runs from behind the gill to the tail, edged above by a gold stripe, and the base of the caudal fin carries a red-orange flush that gives it its second common name. Keep a group of eight or more in a tank of 75 litres or more at 22-26C with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, tolerating a wider range of hardness than most soft-water rasboras. It is an active mid-water swimmer, so leave open lanes with planting at the edges, and cover the tank as it will jump. Feed flake, micro-pellets and frozen or live daphnia, bloodworm and brine shrimp. It is one of the hardier and more adaptable species in this group, which makes it a good choice for a first community tank, though its liveliness can unsettle very timid tankmates.
Frequently asked questions
How active is a Blackline Rasbora?
High. A busy, energetic swimmer โ keep plenty of open swimming room.
How much maintenance does a Blackline Rasbora need?
Easy tank upkeep. No grooming here โ steady water quality and routine tank care do it.
What tank size does a Blackline Rasbora need?
Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
Is a Blackline Rasbora a good fit for first-time owners?
For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.
How long do Blackline Rasbora live?
4โ6 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.
What health issues affect the Blackline Rasbora?
Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Skin conditions. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.
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