Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Emerald Eye Rasbora

Brevibora dorsiocellata

Also called Eyespot rasbora, Green-eyed rasbora, Hi-spot rasbora, Ocellated rasbora, Rasbora dorsiocellata (former name)

SpeciesShort profile

From Southeast Asia: southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo; described from the Muar River in Johor, Malaysia1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length2.3 to 3.5 cm2 1

Sizesmall

Very peaceful and community friendly

Glowing emerald eyes

Small size suits modest tanks

Looks how to spot one

Small, slim scaled cyprinid

A small silvery fish, sometimes with a yellow or pink tint on the belly. Its trademark is a bright green-blue shine in the lower part of the eye, and a black spot sits on the dorsal fin. Wild fish can show russet red near the tail base, and breeding males take on a pinkish tail.1 3

Coloursmetallic silver bodygreen-blue reflective eyeblack dorsal fin spotreddish tail base in wild fish1 3

Personality what they are like

Gentle and easygoing. Alone or in tiny numbers it is timid, but a group of eight or more swims openly and shows natural behaviour.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A steady midwater swimmer that is content in a moderate sized tank with gentle flow.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Routine care is simple: stable water, regular partial water changes and a planted layout with some open swimming room.1

Home where they are happiest

Soft, slightly acidic water at about 20 to 25 C, pH roughly 5.0 to 7.5 and hardness up to about 10 dGH. A base of 45 x 30 cm (around 40 litres) is a sensible minimum for a group. Leaf litter, wood and soft light match its blackwater streams.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A micropredator that eats tiny insects, worms, crustaceans and zooplankton. Takes quality dry food, ideally with small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia and brine shrimp most days.1 2

Company who they like around

Keep in a group of at least 8 to 10. Mixes well with tetras, small rasboras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, small catfish and loaches.1

The story where it all began

Described by Duncker in 1904 from the Muar River in Malaysia and long known as Rasbora dorsiocellata. Genetic studies later moved it into its own genus, Brevibora. Most fish in the hobby today are farm bred, while wild ones are rarely exported.1 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its common name comes from the bright green-blue patch in the lower part of each eye.1
2
It appeared in later editions of William T. Innes's classic book Exotic Aquarium Fishes.3
3
Young fish need around 10 to 12 weeks to develop full adult colour.3
4
Wild populations live in gently flowing peat swamp streams where the water can be as acidic as pH 4.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Endangered (assessed December 2018)2
FishBase: Listed as a commercial aquarium species2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Emerald Eye 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 Emerald Eye Rasbora?

Feed small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer food once or twice a day. Use quality dry food and include small live or frozen foods like Daphnia most days. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does an Emerald Eye Rasbora eat, and what should it never eat?

It eats tiny insects, worms, crustaceans, and zooplankton, and accepts quality dry food. For foods to avoid, it varies; ask a vet or good breeder for guidance on what might harm its tiny mouth.1 2

How much space does an Emerald Eye Rasbora need?

A group of at least 8 needs a tank with a base of about 45 x 30 cm, roughly 40 litres. This gives them room to swim and show natural behaviour.1 2

What temperature, light or water does an Emerald Eye Rasbora need?

Keep water soft and slightly acidic, temperature 20 to 25°C, pH 5.0 to 7.5, hardness up to 10 dGH. Use soft lighting and add leaf litter and wood to mimic its natural blackwater habitat.1 2

How often should I clean an Emerald Eye Rasbora's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a 25% water change weekly, clean the glass weekly, and rinse the filter monthly in old tank water. This keeps the water stable and your rasbora healthy. Pet Wiki plan

Can an Emerald Eye Rasbora live with others?

Yes, it's a peaceful community fish. Keep it in a group of at least 8 to 10, and it will mix well with tetras, small rasboras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, small catfish, and loaches.1

How long does an Emerald Eye Rasbora live?

Lifespan varies; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for typical longevity.

Can I handle an Emerald Eye Rasbora?

Handling is not recommended for this delicate fish; it's best admired in its tank. For specific advice, ask a vet or breeder.

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.

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Lambchop Rasbora

Where this comes from

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

Brevibora dorsiocellata (Eyespot Rasbora), Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for names, origin, habitat, size, water parameters, tank size, diet, behaviour, colours, history
Brevibora dorsiocellata, FishBase fishbase.seused for max length, IUCN status, water parameters
Eyespot rasbora, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, colours, Innes book, fry development

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