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Sidestripe Rasbora - Rasbora paviana : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
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Introduction
Prepare to be captivated by the grace and beauty of the Sidestripe Rasbora (Rasbora paviana), a peaceful and resilient species that adds a touch of serenity to the grandeur of a well-furnished community aquarium. In addition, this captivating fish boasts a remarkable adaptability, allowing for harmonious companionship with a wide variety of popular fish, thanks to its lack of specific water chemistry requirements. As a result, the possibilities for tank mates are virtually limitless, including other Cyprinids, Livebearers, Tetras, Rainbowfish, Gouramis, Loaches, and Catfish.
For those seeking a truly immersive experience, consider designing a community aquarium inspired by the river basins or native countries of the Sidestripe Rasbora. This ambitious endeavour will not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of the aquarium but also provide a naturalistic environment that pays homage to the natural habitats these elegant fish call home.
To fully appreciate the vibrant colours and natural behaviour of the Sidestripe Rasboras, it is highly recommended to keep them in a group of no less than six individuals, preferably more. The presence of their own species enhances their colouration, reduces nervousness, and creates a more authentic display of their natural behaviour.
Intriguingly, creating a river tank manifold offers an opportunity to mimic the unidirectional flow found in their native rivers. Achieve this by thoughtfully incorporating gravel, rocks, or smooth boulders into the substrate, simulating the natural flow patterns of a river. Next, augment the visual allure of the aquarium by adding carefully selected aquatic plants and driftwood branches. While some plants may struggle in these conditions, hardy species such as Bolbitis, Anubias, or Java Fern thrive and contribute to the overall aesthetics of the tank.
Due to their remarkable jumping abilities, it is essential to ensure a tightly fitted aquarium lid to prevent any accidental escapes. Let the beauty of the Sidestripe Rasboras dazzle your senses as you observe their distinct diamond-shaped blotch on the caudal peduncles, replacing the conventional narrow black longitudinal stripe. Dark reticulated patterns adorning the scale margins further enhance their beautiful appearance, while some individuals feature black tips on their caudal lobes. The dorsal fins of these remarkable Rasboras showcase a delightful yellowish hue, sometimes accompanied by captivating black tips.
Sidestripe Rasbora Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Sidestripe Rasboras proves to be a challenging task due to their similar physical appearance. However, subtle distinctions can be observed as the fish reach sexual maturity. Typically, female Sidestripe Rasboras exhibit rounder bellies and a slightly larger overall size compared to their male counterparts. These detailed characteristics provide some cues to discern the sexes of these elegant fish.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Rasbora paviana |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1885 |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Rasbora |
| Origins | Thailand Laos Cambodia Vietnam |
| Max Size | 10 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | Up to 8 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 12 |
| ℉ | 73 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 26 |
Natural habitat
Sidestripe Rasboras' origins are within the enchanting River Basins of the Chao Phraya River, the Mekong River, and the Mae Klong River. With a widespread presence throughout Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, the Sidestripe Rasbora has left its mark in these awe-inspiring regions.
Noteworthy occurrences of the Sidestripe Rasbora have been documented within the Xe Bang Fai and Nam Theun River Basins in Laos, as well as the renowned Tonlé Sap Lake and River in Cambodia. In Vietnam, confirmed sightings have been reported from the Dong Nai drainage in the south and the Duc My River in the central region. These aquatic wonders grace a diverse range of aquatic ecosystems, adapting to both sluggish lowland waters, including ponds and slow-moving rivers adorned with leaf litter and silt deposits, as well as swiftly-flowing shallow forest hill streams characterized by sandy, gravelly, and boulder-strewn substrates.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of these natural landscapes, where the Sidestripe Rasbora gracefully navigates the waters, revealing the harmonious coexistence of these captivating fish with their beautiful surroundings.
How to breed the Sidestripe Rasbora
The prospect of breeding Sidestripe Rasboras within the hobby remains somewhat ambiguous, as there is limited information available on successful breeding attempts. However, it is plausible to achieve breeding success given the nature of these small Cyprinids. Sidestripe Rasboras follow a pattern of egg scattering, engaging in constant spawning without displaying any form of parental care. When kept in optimal conditions, these fish are known to spawn frequently.
A few fry may naturally appear over time without intervention in a well-established aquarium with abundant vegetation. However, if your intention is to maximize the yield of fry, a more controlled approach becomes necessary. Conditioning the adult group together is a recommended initial step, but a separate breeding tank should be prepared for the breeding process. This breeding tank should be dimly lit and feature a bottom covered with mesh, carefully selected to allow the eggs to fall through while preventing the adults from reaching them. Alternatively, plastic grass matting, pebbles, or marbles can be used effectively. The water in the breeding tank should maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH, with a temperature somewhat higher than the general aquarium.
To encourage spawning, it is advised to gradually add small amounts of cooler water to the breeding tank periodically, gradually increasing the water level. In addition, feeding the adult fish with live and frozen foods several times daily stimulates spawning behaviour. As the adults tend to consume any eggs, they come across, removing them from the breeding tank after a couple of days is crucial. Subsequently, replacing the power filter with a sponge filter is recommended to prevent the inadvertent suction of baby fish.
The incubation period of the eggs is influenced by temperature and typically spans between 18 and 48 hours. Following hatching, the fry will become free-swimming within 24 to 48 hours. Initially, nourish the fry with Paramecium or infusoria, gradually introducing baby brine shrimp and microworms as the fry grow and become capable of accepting these foods.
While breeding Sidestripe Rasboras may present some challenges, employing a systematic and attentive approach, coupled with proper conditioning and maintenance of breeding parameters, increases the likelihood of successful breeding endeavours.
Diet & feeding
Sidestripe Rasboras possess a commendable adaptability when it comes to feeding, showcasing a lack of fussiness and an eagerness to consume various food options. While they can thrive on an elemental diet, introducing a diverse array of nourishment significantly enhances their overall well-being. Optimal nutrition can be achieved by incorporating a blend of high-quality dried sustenance such as flakes and granules, complemented by a regular provision of live, frozen, and freeze-dried offerings. In addition, bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, and daphnia serve as excellent choices to introduce variety and nutritional richness to their diet, further supporting their health and vitality.
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