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Redline Dwarf Rasbora
Microrasbora rubescens
📍 Southeast Asia
The Redline Dwarf Rasbora is a tiny, peaceful schooling fish native to Southeast Asia, known for its striking red lateral stripe running along its body. These diminutive rasboras are perfect for nano and planted aquariums, displaying active, social behavior when kept in groups. Their small size and gentle temperament make them ideal for community tanks with other peaceful species.
Care Guide
Diet
Feed high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, and small live foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp 1-2 times daily in small portions. These tiny fish have small mouths and require appropriately sized food. Supplement occasionally with blanched vegetables for balanced nutrition.
Behavior
Redline Dwarf Rasboras are highly active schooling fish that should always be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals to display natural behavior and reduce stress. They occupy the middle water column, constantly foraging and interacting with tank mates. Their small size and peaceful nature make them excellent for planted tanks where they add movement and color without disturbing plants.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is challenging but possible in well-established, heavily planted tanks with soft, acidic water. Condition the group with quality foods and live foods, then separate a pair into a breeding tank with fine-leaved plants. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
Tank Mates
Similar size and peaceful temperament; both prefer soft, acidic water
Comparable size and schooling behavior; compatible water parameters
Peaceful bottom dweller; does not compete for food or space
Peaceful and small; may occasionally chase but generally compatible
Peaceful invertebrate; helps with algae control without predating on fish
Live plant providing shelter and natural environment for schooling behavior
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase water temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; ensure good water quality and reduce stress
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove any sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe; maintain optimal water parameters
Bacterial Infection
Loss of appetite, cloudy eyes, sores on body, color fading, lethargy
Perform large water changes, maintain pristine water conditions, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; isolate severely affected fish if possible
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, white or gray patches on skin, rapid breathing, weight loss
Use anti-parasitic medication, increase aeration, perform frequent water changes; quarantine new fish before adding to main tank
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - small particles including micro pellets, crushed flakes, and live foods
- lifespan
- 3-5 years
- max size
- 2.5 cm (1 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2-8 dGH
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)