Spotted Rasbora

1 Spotted Rasbora Introduction

The Spotted Rasbora is a small ornamental fish named for the large round black spot on its orange-red body. Also called the Round-spot Clown, it is omnivorous and egg-laying. Gentle, it suits soft acidic water.

Chinese name: Spotted Rasbora

Binomial: Rasbora maculata

Kingdom: Animalia

Family: Cyprinidae

Origin: Southern Asia, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra

2 Physical Characteristics

Gentle, it mixes with other small fish; proper lighting enhances its color.

Its orange-red body has a large round black spot. Males show vivid red-black markings on dorsal, caudal, and anal fins; females are much paler. Max length about 2.5 cm. Males are smaller and thinner with more vivid orange-red. A small but very pretty omnivorous fish.

3 Aquarium Conditions

A small fish from Indonesia, suitable temperature 12-26°C, likes soft acidic water; keep pH 6.2-6.4.

Change at least one-third of water weekly. Plant plenty of aquatic plants and provide sunlight. Use a siphon (soft rubber and glass tube, 1.2-1.5 m) to remove bottom dirt during changes. Suitable lighting keeps its color vivid.

4 Feeding Guidelines

Though small, what to feed matters. Omnivorous, but do not overfeed blindly.

Very gentle, mixes with other small peaceful fish. Takes small granular dry food; occasionally add daphnia to enhance color. Use a feeding ring to keep food at the surface for easy feeding and prevent it sinking into plants and fouling water.