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Fire Rasbora
Rasboroides vaterifloris
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cypriniformes›Cyprinidae
📍 Sri Lanka (endemic)
Jewel-like Sri Lankan endemic with an orange-to-red body and vivid fin colouring. Males are deeper red than females. Sensitive to water quality; thrives in soft, acidic, well-oxygenated planted tanks.
Care Guide
Diet
Fire Rasboras are omnivorous and require a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Supplement occasionally with live microworms or infusoria to promote natural foraging behavior.
Behavior
Fire Rasboras are peaceful, active schooling fish that exhibit vibrant coloration and constant movement through mid-water zones. They are most confident and display their best colors when kept in groups of at least 8 individuals, where they establish a loose hierarchy without aggression. Males display deeper red coloration than females and may engage in gentle fin-flaring displays.
Breeding
Breeding Fire Rasboras in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquaria. They require pristine, acidic water (pH 5.5–6.0), dense vegetation for egg scattering, and specific conditioning with live foods. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food; most hobbyists lack the specialized setup needed for successful breeding.
Tank Mates
Peaceful bottom-dweller with identical soft, acidic water requirements; won't compete for food or space
Similar size, temperament, and water chemistry needs; compatible schooling companion
Gentle bottom-feeder that thrives in soft, acidic conditions without competing with mid-water rasboras
Peaceful invertebrate that prefers similar water parameters; may be predated upon if very small
Peaceful but requires slightly warmer temps; monitor for territorial behavior toward other males
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid gill movement, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 26–27°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or ich-specific medication; treat for 10–14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform immediate 50% water change, improve water quality and aeration, treat with antibacterial medication; remove any sharp decorations
Bacterial Infection (from poor water quality)
Loss of color, clamped fins, open sores, cloudy eyes, rapid breathing
Perform 50% water change immediately, test and correct pH and ammonia levels, use broad-spectrum antibiotic if severe; maintain pristine water conditions
Stress-Related Diseases
Faded coloration, hiding, loss of appetite, susceptibility to other infections
Ensure minimum school size of 8, maintain stable soft acidic water (pH 5.5–7.0), reduce tank disturbances, provide dense vegetation for security
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 5.5–7.0
- diet
- omnivore/micro food
- maxSize
- 1.5 inches
- minTankSize
- 15 gallons
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)
Temperature
72–79°F
22–26°C