Clown Rasbora (Rasbora kalochroma)
The Clown Rasbora is a very peaceful schooling fish, and it would be better if you purchased at least 8-10 specimens. Keeping them in decent-sized groups will not only make these fish less nervous but will result in a more active, natural-looking display. Males will also exhibit their dazzling colours as they compete with each other for female attention, and will spread out any aggression among the group.
This fish is ideal for a community aquarium as long as their tankmates are a similar size with the same temperament; however, this fish is not recommended for the beginner aquarist as it can be quite delicate.
Clown Rasboras have a variety of different patterning depending on whereabouts they came from. Their bodies are a pinkish-red colouration, and they display two large, dark blotches on their body, the first one is behind the gill cover, and the second is on the midsection of the flank between the anal and dorsal fin. Other forms of Clown Rasbora display a row of spot-like markings that connect the two dark blotches on their body.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rasbora kalochroma |
| Other Names | Big Spot Rasbora |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Rasbora |
| Origins | Indonesia |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 5.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 10 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 73 - 82℉ 22.8 - 27.8℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Clown 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.
Tank Mates
2 interesting tank mate ideas for the Clown Rasbora could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
It is relatively simple to differentiate males and females. Females are slightly bigger and more heavily built, and the males are slimmer and exhibit more vibrant colours than the female.