Rasboras (Rasbora spp.)

The genus Rasbora includes some of the best aquarium fishes found in Southeast
Asian waters. All remain small, seldom reaching 2 inches long. Schooling fishes
that swim among dense plant growth, they eat most types of aquarium foods with relish. Temperature and pH requirements are the same as for Bettas, making
them good choices for tankmates.

• The Harlequin Rasbora (R. heteromorpha) turns up in almost every dealer’s inventory from time to time. Pinkish-orange body coloration is accented by a black triangle at the base of the tail and the red-orange dorsal fin.
• Another relatively common species, the Scissortail Rasbora (R. trilineata) has a torpedo-shaped body. Its silvery scales have dark edges. A dark stripe runs from the midpoint of the body to the base of the tail. The outer tips of the tail fin have a yellow-black-yellow pattern of three spots. When the fish moves its tail, the moving spots give the illusion of a pair of scissors opening and closing.
• It’s worth looking for the Red-Tailed Rasbora (R. borapetensis). Like others in the genus, its peaceful habits and ease of feeding make it an ideal tankmate for the Betta. The silvery body has a pair of stripes running from the eye to the base of the tail. The upper stripe is golden yellow, the lower one is black. The base of the tail is blood red.
• Clown Rasboras (R. kalochroma) seldom school, unlike other Rasboras. In the aquarium they are peaceful and lively, darting in and out among the plants. The slender, brick red body has a black spot just behind the gill cover and another, larger black spot below the dorsal fin.
• Seldom exceeding an inch in length, the Pygmy Rasbora (R. maculatus) is also a perfect tankmate. Peaceful, it schools among plants in ponds and ditches. The red-orange body is marked with three black spots: one behind the gill cover, another near the anus, and the third at the base of the tail fin.