Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Brilliant Rasbora

Rasbora einthovenii

SpeciesShort profile

From Southeast Asia: southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Bangka and Borneo; peat swamp forests and blackwater streams1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length9 to 10.6 cm1 2

Sizemedium

Seriously Fish gives about 9 cm SL and FishBase a maximum of 10.6 cm SL; Wikipedia gives 5 cm for adults

Very peaceful

Glowing colours in blackwater

Good community fish

Looks how to spot one

Slender, elongated scaled cyprinid

A slender, elongated rasbora with a pinkish body. A dark band with uneven, crinkly edges runs along the side and continues through and past the eye. Colours look richest in tannin-stained water under soft light. Females are rounder and often larger than males.1

Colourspinkishsilverydark lateral stripe1

Personality what they are like

Very peaceful and easygoing, mixing well with a wide range of small community fish. It is more confident and colourful in a group.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active schooling swimmer that needs a reasonably long tank with swimming space.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep the water clean with regular changes. Dim lighting and tannin-stained water bring out its colour.1

Home where they are happiest

A tank of at least 120 x 30 x 30 cm (about 113 litres). Temperature 22-26 °C, pH 5.0-7.5 (FishBase 6.0-6.5), soft water around 2-10 °H. Dark substrate, plants, wood and leaf litter mimic its forest streams.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A micropredator feeding on worms, small crustaceans and insects. Offer small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia and Artemia, with dried food as a supplement rather than the only food.1 2

Company who they like around

Keep at least six together. Good companions are other small cyprinids, tetras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, catfish and loaches.1

The story where it all began

Pieter Bleeker described this species in 1851. In the wild it lives in forest streams and peat swamp waters across the Malay Peninsula and western Indonesia.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its colours become noticeably more intense in tea-coloured, tannin-rich water.1
2
Its dark side stripe runs right through the eye and beyond.1
3
In the wild it spawns among thick growths of water plants.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Assessed as Least Concern (January 2019)2
FishBase: Described by Bleeker in 1851; listed as a commercial aquarium species2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Brilliant Rasbora. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Brilliant Rasbora?

Feed your Brilliant Rasbora small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Offer a variety of small live and frozen foods like Daphnia and Artemia, with dried food as a supplement.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Brilliant Rasbora eat, and what should it never eat?

Your Brilliant Rasbora eats small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia and Artemia, plus dried food as a supplement. The facts do not specify foods to avoid, so ask a vet or good breeder for what it should never eat.1 2

How much space does a Brilliant Rasbora need?

Your Brilliant Rasbora needs a tank of at least 113 litres (120x30x30 cm) with plenty of swimming space. It is an active schooling swimmer, so a long tank is best.1 2

What temperature, light or water does a Brilliant Rasbora need?

Keep the water at 22-26°C, pH 5.0-7.5, and soft (2-10 °H). Dim lighting and tannin-stained water bring out its beautiful colours.1 2

How often should I clean a Brilliant Rasbora's home?

Clean your Brilliant Rasbora's home weekly by changing about 25% of the water and cleaning the glass. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Furry Diary's plan recommends this routine.1 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Brilliant Rasbora live with others?

Yes, your Brilliant Rasbora is very peaceful and thrives in a group of at least six. Good companions include small cyprinids, tetras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, catfish, and loaches.1

How long does a Brilliant Rasbora live?

The facts do not provide a specific lifespan for the Brilliant Rasbora. Lifespan can vary, so ask a vet or good breeder for more information.

Can I handle a Brilliant Rasbora?

The facts do not cover handling. As a general rule, fish are delicate and should not be handled. Consult a vet or breeder for advice.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Scissortail Rasbora

Lambchop Rasbora

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

Seriously Fish - Rasbora einthovenii seriouslyfish.comused for origin, size, tank size, water parameters, diet, behaviour, colour, facts
FishBase - Rasbora einthovenii fishbase.seused for author/year, IUCN status, size, habitat, diet, spawning
Wikipedia - Rasbora einthovenii en.wikipedia.orgused for distribution, alternate adult size

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.