Rasbora spilotaenia

Family: Cyprinidae

Rasbora spilotaenia — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 5.8–8.6 cm; keep at 22–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 22–26 °C
pH: 6.2–7
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 5.8–8.6 cm
Minimum tank: 89 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Rasbora spilotaenia lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Adults reach 5.8–8.6 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Rasbora species we profile, alongside Rasbora borapetensis, Rasbora caudimaculata, Rasbora einthovenii.

Native biotope

Habitat: Clear streams and rivers over gravel
Flow: Moderate, well-oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂: Appreciates well-oxygenated water

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Fine gravel and sand
Hardscape: Water-worn stones and driftwood
Plants: Hardy rooted plants along the margins

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more
Diet: Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with: Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method: Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Rasbora spilotaenia easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Rasbora spilotaenia need?

Aim for 22–26 °C. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin; 22.0–26.0 °C typical for the genus.

How big does Rasbora spilotaenia get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 5.8–8.6 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 89 litres.

What does Rasbora spilotaenia eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. It forages naturally over fine gravel and sand, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Rasbora spilotaenia live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Rasbora spilotaenia come from?

It lives in clear streams and rivers over gravel. Moderate, well-oxygenated current; Appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Rasbora spilotaenia jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Rasbora spilotaenia breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.