Rasbora sarawakensis

Rasbora sarawakensis, the Sarawak Rasbora, is endemic to the rivers and streams of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. It is a medium-sized rasbora displaying a golden-silver body with a distinct dark lateral stripe running from snout to tail, accompanied by a lighter stripe beneath. It inhabits clear, moderately flowing, slightly acidic rivers and streams in forested areas. In the aquarium it requires soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic water and benefits from a planted setup with open swimming space and gentle water movement. Being Bornean in origin, it appreciates tannin-stained water and a darker substrate that mimics forest stream conditions. It is peaceful and mixes well with other small Southeast Asian cyprinids. Feed on a varied diet of flake, pellets, and frozen foods. Groups of six or more produce good schooling behaviour.

Water: Temperature 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.0, GH 2–10; soft, slightly acidic; tannins beneficial. Tank: 60 L minimum; planted tank with dark substrate; gentle to moderate flow. Feeding: Flake, micro-pellet, frozen daphnia, cyclops, and baby brine shrimp. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; soft, acidic water promotes spawning; use fine plants or mop. Compatibility: Peaceful with small Southeast Asian rasboras, tetras, and corydoras.