Brilliant Rasbora (Rasbora borapetensis)

Brilliant Rasbora (Rasbora borapetensis), also known as the Blackline Rasbora, is a hardy, endlessly active schooling fish with a silvery body, a crisp black lateral stripe, and a flash of red-gold at the base of the tail. It is inexpensive, peaceful, and one of the easiest schoolers to keep, making it perfect for planted community tanks and beginners alike. Browse the rest of our freshwater fish.

Care Guide

• Keep a school: Brilliant Rasboras shine in numbers. Keep eight or more for tight schooling behavior and the best color.
• Water: Very adaptable, thriving at 72 to 80F with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They are hardy enough for beginners but still appreciate stable, clean water.
• Aquascape: Dark substrate and live plants bring out their color and make them feel secure enough to swim in the open.
• Feeding: An easy omnivore. Feed a quality micro pellet or flake daily with occasional frozen treats.

Specifications

Compatibility

Brilliant Rasboras are peaceful, social, and safe with just about any calm community. Excellent tankmates include Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras, small corydoras, and Amano Shrimp. Avoid large or aggressive fish that may eat them.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Quality micro pellet or flake food as a daily staple
• Frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp for conditioning and color
• Live plants and dark substrate to show off their stripe
• More freshwater fish

FAQ

How many should I keep?
At least eight. Like all schooling fish they are calmer, more colorful, and more natural-looking in a larger group.

Are they good for beginners?
Yes. They are among the hardiest and most forgiving schooling fish, tolerating a wide range of conditions.

Will they nip other fish?
No. They are peaceful and keep to themselves, though a large hungry school will happily chase food.

What tank size do they need?
A 10 gallon works for a small school, but a 20 long or larger gives them the horizontal room they love.