Redline Rasbora (Rasbora pauciperforata)

The Redline Rasbora (Rasbora pauciperforata) is a slender, elegant schooling fish from the peat swamp forests and slow-moving streams of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Its most striking feature is the vivid red-orange lateral stripe running from snout to tail base, contrasting beautifully against a transparent-silver body. In good condition, the stripe glows intensely under aquarium lighting.

This species is a classic hobbyist fish that has been kept for decades but remains popular for its combination of peaceful temperament, hardiness, and striking coloration. Like most rasboras, it is a schooling species that behaves best in groups of 8 or more, where individuals feel secure and display natural behavior including tight, coordinated schooling.

In its native habitat, Redline Rasboras inhabit blackwater environments with very low pH and mineral content. In the aquarium, they adapt reasonably well to less extreme soft, acidic water and can even be kept in moderate conditions, though they show their best colors in tannin-stained water with soft, acidic parameters.

They occupy the mid-water zone and are active swimmers but not jumpers by nature. Their peaceful temperament makes them compatible with a wide range of small, peaceful tankmates in planted community setups.

Water Parameters: Redline Rasboras prefer soft, slightly acidic water: pH 5.0–7.0, temperature 23–28°C, GH 1–10. Tannin-stained water from driftwood, Indian almond leaves, or peat filtration mimics their natural blackwater habitat and enhances their coloration. Avoid hard, alkaline water.

Tank Setup: Minimum 60 liters for a school of 8. A planted aquarium with dark substrate, driftwood, and floating plants that diffuse light creates an ideal environment. Subdued lighting enhances the intensity of their red stripe. A gentle filter return is suitable — they are not fond of strong currents.

Feeding: Omnivores that readily accept micro flake food, micro pellets, and small frozen or live foods like daphnia, micro worms, and brine shrimp nauplii. Feed twice daily in small quantities. Vary the diet for best health and coloration.

Tankmates: Ideal for peaceful blackwater community tanks alongside other small rasboras, small tetras, Corydoras, and dwarf cichlids like Apistogramma. Avoid large, boisterous, or aggressive fish. Their peaceful nature makes them vulnerable to fin-nippers.

Health: Generally hardy in appropriate soft, acidic conditions. Sensitive to hard, alkaline water and sudden parameter swings. Regular water changes of 20–25% weekly are important. Watch for ich, velvet, and neon tetra disease.