Redline Rasbora

Rasbora pauciperforata

Also known as Red-Line Rasbora, Red Stripe Rasbora

Animalia›Chordata›Cypriniformes›Cyprinidae

The Redline Rasbora is a small, peaceful schooling fish native to Southeast Asia, known for its distinctive red lateral stripe running along its silver body. These active little fish are perfect for nano and planted aquariums, thriving in groups and adding constant movement and color to the tank. They are hardy and beginner-friendly, making them an excellent choice for community setups.

Where it's from

Native to the Batang Kerang, Benut, Bernam, Billiton Island and 20 other river basins

Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos and Brunei

At a glance

Size: 1.2 in; 3 cm
Min tank: 10 gal; 38 L
Group: 6+
Temp: 72–79°F; 22–26°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
GH: 36–143 ppm; 2–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Middle
Lifespan: 3-5 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Feed high-quality micro pellets, small flake foods, and occasional live or frozen foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp. Redline Rasboras have small mouths and require appropriately sized food. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, only what they can consume in a few minutes.

Behavior

Redline Rasboras are active, social fish that spend most of their time in the middle water column searching for food and interacting with their school. They are constantly moving and exploring, displaying natural schooling behavior when kept in groups of six or more. These fish are non-aggressive and make excellent community members.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is possible but challenging and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They are egg scatterers that require soft, acidic water and dense vegetation or spawning mops to protect eggs. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first few days.

Tank mates

See all 6

Neon Tetra

Similar size and peaceful temperament; excellent community fish

excellent

Cardinal Tetra

Comparable size and water parameter requirements; peaceful schooler

excellent

Otocinclus

Small algae eater that won't compete for food or space

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful and similar water requirements; avoid aggressive individuals

good

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that helps with algae control

excellent

Fits a 10-gallon tank Beginner-friendly Peaceful

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).