The Brilliant Rasbora is a medium-sized, elegant rasbora native to the blackwater rivers and streams of the Malay Peninsula and Borneo. It grows to approximately 9 cm, making it one of the larger rasboras encountered in the hobby, and displays a clean, streamlined body with a distinctive bold dark lateral stripe running from the snout through the eye to the caudal peduncle. In good lighting conditions, particularly against a dark substrate, the flanks reveal iridescent blue-green and golden highlights that justify its common name. The species is found in soft, acidic, tannin-stained waters associated with peat swamp forests and lowland rainforest streams. In the aquarium it shows best coloration and most natural behavior in conditions that replicate this environment: dark substrate, driftwood, dried leaves, minimal hardness, and slightly acidic pH. The Brilliant Rasbora is entirely peaceful and poses no threat to tankmates of any size. A school of six or more produces a cohesive, elegant display. It accepts a broad range of water conditions within its tolerance range and is not particularly demanding once established. An omnivore, it readily consumes most standard aquarium foods. This species is a rewarding choice for planted tank and blackwater biotope enthusiasts.
