Blue Line Rasbora (Rasbora sarawakensis)
Despite being uncommon in the aquarium trade, the Blue Line Rasbora is a sociable and attractive fish. In a peaceful community of Southeast Asian or Indian species such as Rasboras, Barbs, Loaches and Gouramis, this species should fit in perfectly.
There should be at least eight to ten Blue Line Rasboras in a group as they are a naturally schooling species. It will make the fish less nervous and result in a more effective, natural display if they are kept in decent numbers. When males compete with one another for female attention, they will also display their best colours.
Rasboras usually show better colouration when kept in a well-planted tank with a dark substrate, but the choice of decor is not very important. To add a more natural feel to the aquarium, some floating plants and driftwood roots or branches are appreciated. Because these fish come from sluggish waters, the filter does not need to be particularly strong.
Blue Line Rasboras have a large, pointed head and a relatively stout body. An orange longitudinal stripe and golden ground colour distinguish it from other species.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rasbora sarawakensis |
| Year Described | 1951 |
| Other Names | Sarawak Rasbora |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Rasbora |
| Origins | Indonesia |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 10+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 12 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 72 - 78℉ 22.2 - 25.6℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Blue Line Rasbora will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Sexual Dimorphism
It is quite simple to differentiate between the male and female Blue Line Rasbora. The females are usually less colourful, are generally larger and are plumper than the males. In contrast, the males are slimmer, smaller, and more vibrantly coloured than the females.