Black-lined rasboras (rasbora borapetensis) care

Updated 2-19-2023

1. Origin
2. Diet
3. Habitat  
4. Coloration & Size
5. Care
6. Tank size
7. Feeding
8. Breeding

Black-lined rasbora origin

The black-lined rasbora is an elegant freshwater fish native to parts of the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia. It is easily identified by its unique black stripes that line their bodies against their brilliant metallic scales. The Black lined rasbora usually feeds off of small insects, worms, and crustaceans found in its natural environments but can also be adapted to live off of most aquarium foods. Though originally discovered in Malaysia and Indonesia, this fish has become a famous fresh water tank pet due to its darker coloration, which adds depth and dimension to any environment.

Black-lined rasbora diet

The black-lined rasbora is a popular aquarium fish whose diet consists of carnivorous meat-based flakes and live or frozen foods designed for cold water species. This slender and agile fish thrives when provided with its dietary needs, such as brine shrimp, small crustaceans, mosquito larvae, newly hatched aquatic insects, and another high-protein fare. Feeding the black-lined rasbora in moderation is recommended, as it can be prone to overeating.

A varied diet should be provided to ensure adequate nutrition and supplements such as spirulina wafers or tablets for added vitamins and minerals. With a proper diet full of nutritious items and occasional treats, the vibrant orange coloration of this unique species will remain bright and vibrant in any aquarium setting.

Black-lined rasbora habitat  

The black-lined rasbora is a fascinating and captivating fish adapted to its tropical environment. Native to South East Asia, this species enjoys water temperatures around 73°F, pH levels between 6-7, and soft water with 9-20 dkH hardness. To create the perfect habitat for these fish, an aquarium with a substrate of fine sand and aquatic plants may be created.

Black-lined rasbora have cohabited with milder tetra varieties such as neon or ember tetras, angelfish, gouramis, barbs, and catfish. It is important for their health and well-being to add plenty of rocks, driftwood and similar decor to create spaces for them to hide from diffrent water currents or other fish in the tank. When cared for properly by experienced aquarists who respect the delicate balance issued in habitats filled with wild-caught specimens, these fish are sure to bring energy into any aquatic home.

Black-lined rasbora coloration & size

The black lined rasbora is a spectacular aquarium fish that adds life and fascination to any tank. They have an elongated body shape with beautiful black horizontal stripes. People are often captivated by the vibrant red patches that emerge on their bodies when they become stressed or scared, like a superpower some may argue! Black lined rasboras usually range in size from 1 to 1.5 inches; however, they can grow up to 2.3 inches in the right conditions.

Black-lined rasbora care  

Caring for Black Lined Rasboras is an enjoyable experience for all aquarists. These peaceful fish thrive best in aquariums that are heavily planted and well-oxygenated, with a neutral pH and between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be kept in groups of at least five or more, preferably in an aquarium with plenty of space to facilitate their natural shoaling behavior.

Black Lined Rasboras will peacefully coexist with other nonaggressive tankmates, provided they fit into the fish’s preferred temperature range and pH levels. Finally, they should be largely fed a diet consisting of quality flake foods, supplemented with the occasional freeze-dried bloodworm or brine shrimp.

Black-lined rasbora tank setup

Your black-lined rasbora tank size should be carefully considered when setting up an aquarium for this species. Rasboras prefer large tanks since they are used to swimming in large rivers and streams. A 20-gallon tank is a minimum for these fish, but larger tanks will give them more room to swim around.

Without overcrowding, you can keep up to 8-10 black-lined rasboras in a 55-gallon aquarium. It’s important to note that these fish must also have plenty of plants and hiding places in the tank, as they will appreciate privacy. Proper filtration and a controlled temperature are essential to creating an efficient environment for your black-lined rasbora tank.

Feeding black-lined rasbora

These small yet distinctive black lined rasboras, otherwise known as striped rasboras, make an interesting addition to community aquariums. They feed mainly on live and frozen foods such as worms, brine shrimp, and blood worms; however, they can also receive benefit from quality flake and pellet foods.

To ensure the fish’s vitality and that of the entire tank environment, it is important to provide variety in their diet. Supplementing their standard diet with occasional treats such as mosquito larvae or plant-infused frozen food is always encouraged. A balanced diet will be instrumental in ensuring the health of your striped rasbora for years to come.

Breeding black-lined rasbora

Breeding the black-lined rasbora is one of the more challenging aquariums for a novice fish keeper. This freshwater fish is relatively simple to keep, but difficult to breed in captivity. The ideal setup for these fish should be a tank of around 20 gallons that remains well-maintained and heavily planted.

Adding a few hiding spots such as driftwood and rocks, will also help. When preparing for breeding, many hobbyists choose to add a pair of mated male and female fish, as they behave very territorially while mating and having multiple sexes can cause excessive aggression. The fry tends to grow quickly under the right temperatures and high-quality food, helping them become healthy adults faster than other species of similar size.