Rummy Nose Rasbora - Sawbwa resplendens Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
Rummy Nose Rasboras (Sawbwa resplendens) are admired for their striking colours and peaceful temperament. While these enchanting fish require specific water conditions, they are otherwise hardy and easy to maintain, making them an excellent choice for experienced aquarists seeking a captivating addition to their aquatic family.
Given their innate shoaling nature, it is advisable to maintain Rummy Nose Rasboras in groups comprising a minimum of eight individuals or more. In their natural habitat, these fish naturally assemble in substantial aggregations, and replicating this social structure within the aquarium environment not only enhances their well-being but also aligns with their inherent behavioural tendencies. Although they have a friendly disposition, these timid creatures require careful consideration when choosing tankmates. Opt for companions of similar size and behaviour, as the Rummy Nose Rasboras can become easily nervous when sharing space with larger or more boisterous tankmates.
However, it is advisable to exercise caution when considering the inclusion of ornamental long-finned varieties, as their extended fins may present an irresistible allure and potential risk. Don't let their peaceful nature fool you; these Rasboras can become combative amongst their own kind, with dominant males displaying obstinate behaviour. To prevent this, it is advisable to maintain a sexually balanced school of around four females per male in a species-only tank with plenty of plants and decorations to provide visual barriers.
For an aquarium accommodating Rummy Nose Rasboras, it is advisable to employ a substrate and background of darker hues, complemented by substantial vegetation, to facilitate the creation of shaded regions, which are greatly valued by these fish. This habitat configuration serves to accentuate the vibrant colouration, particularly in the case of the striking male specimens. It is noteworthy that when these fish are subjected to water conditions characterized by excessive softness, they tend to manifest increased fragility, resulting in a discernible loss of their exquisite colouration.
In terms of appearance, the slender and streamlined body of the Rummy Nose Rasboras boasts an exquisite colouration, with males displaying a silvery-blue body, orangy-red nose, and tail tips, while females tend to be a duller silver to olive-brownish hue, with transparent fins and a dark pigmentation spot near their anus, adding to their charm. By providing optimal care and attention, the Rummy Nose Rasboras can thrive and become a beautiful and cherished addition to any aquarist's collection.
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Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
It is relatively simple to differentiate male from female Rummy Nose Rasboras. Males are brighter than females and have distinct red colours on their fins and nose, whereas females are duller and display a dark spot anterior to the anal fin.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Sawbwa resplendens |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1918 |
| Other Names | Sawbwa Barb, Asian Rummynose, Naked Microrasbora, Burmese Rammy Nose |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Sawbwa |
| Origins | Myanmar |
| Approx Max Size | 3.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 3 - 15 |
| TDS | 54 - 268 |
| ℉ | 71 - 75 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 21 - 23 |
Natural Habitat
Rummy Nose Rasboras are native to the enchanting Shan State in Eastern Myanmar, nestled within the awe-inspiring landscapes of Southeast Asia. These delightful creatures thrive in the pristine waters of Inle Lake, a magnificent mountain lake that boasts natural floating islands teeming with vegetation. These verdant islets, composed of a dense tangle of living and dead plants, offer a rich shelter and food source for these vibrant Rasboras, providing an ideal habitat for their growth and development.
These resilient fish also call the neighbouring watershed of the lake their home. During the wet season, the lake rises and fills the outflowing Balu Chaung stream, flooding other areas and occasionally carrying other fish species along for the ride. As the dry season sets in, the water level subsides, leaving behind isolated ponds and pools, each with its own distinct fish populations, ready to be explored.
During the wet seasons, the lake rises and fills an outflowing periodically stream known as the Balu Chaung. When the stream floods, it will spill over into other areas, often taking random fish species with it. During the dry seasons, the water subsides, leaving isolated ponds and pools with separate fish populations.
Breeding
Breeding Rummy Nose Rasboras can be quite a challenging endeavour. These Cyprinids do not exhibit any parental care for their young, and they differ somewhat in their spawning method. Instead of being open-water egg scatterers, they deposit their eggs on filamentous algae or aquatic vegetation. Successful breeding has been reported when keeping these fish in adult groups. Conditioning them with live foods will help bring out the males' colour and assist females in filling them with eggs.
It is recommended to plant your tank with artificial or broad-leaved plants for breeding. Marbles or synthetic grass matting are an excellent substrate for these fish, as they can catch any eggs falling from the plants. Females only breed at specific times, and providing cool temperatures in February can encourage spawning, as temperatures in their native habitat typically dip to around 57 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. However, Rasboras fail to spawn if the temperature exceeds 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
During spawning, dominant males may form temporary territories, and spawning usually occurs in the early morning hours after a strong ritual performance. The parents will deposit several eggs at a time amongst the plants or on the underside of broad leaves. Therefore, keeping the parents fed during spawning is best to prevent them from consuming the eggs or fry.
Once the fry hatch, they are tiny and will survive off their yolk sac for approximately 24 hours. After that, they will become free-swimming, and you can feed them with infusoria, rotifers, and other liquid fry foods several times a day. A week later, they will be big enough to accept crushed flake food or newly hatched brine shrimp.
Diet & Feeding
To ensure optimal health and vibrancy for your Rummy Nose Rasboras, it is recommended to provide a diverse diet that includes high-quality, small-sized dried foods such as flakes and granules, supplemented with regular servings of live and frozen fare, such as artemia and daphnia. This well-rounded diet enhances their physical condition and colour and encourages the natural breeding behaviour of these fascinating fish.
For optimal feeding results, offering multiple small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal is advisable. However, monitoring their consumption and providing only the amount they can consume within three minutes is crucial to prevent overfeeding and maintain good water quality. Alternatively, if feeding once a day, offer an amount that can be consumed within five minutes. By adhering to these feeding practices, you can help your Rummy Nose Rasboras thrive and flourish in their aquatic habitat.
Other Rasboras
07/16/2025
I’d recommend a change in the section about breeding. Rummynose Rasboras don’t appear to enjoy spawning on marbled or fine leaved plants. They aren’t egg scatterers. They lay their eggs on the underside of broad leaved plants similar to some species of corydoras. Great info otherwise!
Published: 13 Apr 2021
Last Updated: 08 Aug 2025