Chinese Rasbora (Rasbora steineri)

Family: Cyprinidae

Chinese Rasbora — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 7.5–11 cm; keep at 22–24 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–24 °C
pH
6–6.5
GH hardness
10–15 dGH
Adult length
7.5–11 cm
Minimum tank
145 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

Rasbora steineri is a Cyprinidae. In the aquarium it stays mostly peaceful. Plan on 7.5–11 cm of adult fish at 22–24 °C. Related profiles: 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 Chinese Rasbora 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 Chinese Rasbora need?

Set the heater to 22–24 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–6.5, GH 10–15 dGH suit it.

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

Expect 7.5–11 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 145 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Chinese Rasbora eat?

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

Can Chinese Rasbora 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 Chinese Rasbora come from?

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

Does Chinese Rasbora jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Chinese Rasbora breed?

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