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Rasbora borapetensis, Smith, 1934

Origin:Thailand, and Malaysia; Mallakka, near Kuala Trengganu.

Etymology: Borapetensis, after their origin, Borapet.

Synonyms:None.

First European import: 1954

Description: See pictures. The fish show a dark line over the linea lateralis from the gill cover to the caudal base. Base of the caudal tail is red. Above the dark line a second line can be seen, which is iridescent beige.

Care: Can be kept in a community tank with other small fish, and/or guramis. Require a densely planted tank, with swimming space, and frequent waterchanges. Groups of plants every 10-20 cm in between which the fish will swim are best suited. Rasbora borapetensis doesn't appreciate bright light, so at least part of the tank should be shaded with floating plants and plants that form leaves at the surface. A school of 5-6 fish is the minimum number, water should be slightly acidic to neutral, temperature around 24 degrees, and not too hard. Rasbora borapetensis will inhabit the middle and higher regions of the tank.

Temperature: 22-26 degrees.

Feeding: Small live and flake food.

Size: up to 5 cm.

pH: 6.0-7.0

Breeding: Shaded tanks, lots of plants and floating plants, lowered waterlevel. Daily waterchanges and live food will get the fish to spawn, waterconditions as described in the care section. Not productiv, a female will only produce 30-40 eggs, and both parents will also eat all the eggs they can find even during spawning. The more densely planted the tank is, the more eggs will survive. Parents should be removed immediately after spawning. The eggs will hatch in 36 hours, and will start to feed two days later.

Sexual dimorphism: No differences, but as with all barbs females can be recognized if they have eggs.

Prices: 1.5-2€ in the Netherlands.

Additional:

Picture references: Picture Eric Naus.

References:Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982): Aquarien Atlas I. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.(click on the link to buy this book)