Eyespot (Hi-spot) Rasbora - Brevibora dorsiocellata

Scientific name: Brevibora dorsiocellata

Common name: Eyespot (Hi-spot) Rasbora

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 3 - 4 cm (1.18 - 1.57 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 7

Recommended water hardness: 0 - 10°N (0 - 178.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 20 - 25 °C (68 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Southeast Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

General Information

The Eyespot (Hi-spot) Rasbora (Brevibora dorsiocellata, long traded as Rasbora dorsiocellata) is a small, peaceful shoaling cyprinid native to Southeast Asia—the Malay Peninsula (incl. Singapore), Sumatra and Borneo, with records into southern Thailand. In nature it inhabits shaded forest streams, backwaters and peat-swamp blackwaters with soft, acidic conditions and leaf litter. Typical adult size is ~3–4 cm (≈1.2–1.6″); it is a genuinely small rasbora. Keep in groups of 8 for confidence and natural schooling.

Food and Feeding

An omnivorous micro-predator. Use quality flakes or micro-granules as staple; rotate small live or frozen foods (brine shrimp nauplii, daphnia, cyclops, finely chopped bloodworms). In the wild it feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects. Offer tiny portions 1–2× daily so all food is eaten quickly.

Sexing

External differences are subtle; females are fuller-bodied when gravid, males a touch slimmer. Sexing juveniles is unreliable.

Breeding

A typical rasbora egg-scatterer with no parental care. For best yields use a separate, dimly lit tank with very soft, slightly acidic water, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, and gentle flow. Remove adults post-spawn to prevent egg predation. Eggs usually hatch in ~24–36 h; start fry on infusoria, then newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

Commonly 3–5 years with clean, stable water and a varied diet (small rasboras trend shorter-lived at warmer temperatures).

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

Footprint: length and surface cover matter more than height; even small groups benefit from a 60 cm/24″ tank for stability.
Water: pH ~6.0–7.0; hardness ~0–10 °dH; temperature 20–25 °C—this matches documented blackwater conditions. Keep parameters stable.
Environment: dark substrate, leaf litter, roots/driftwood, dense marginal and floating plants to diffuse light; gentle flow; quality filtration.
Maintenance: small, regular water changes; avoid abrupt swings.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Peaceful schooling fish. Combine with other small, calm species (tiny rasboras/tetras, peaceful dwarf gouramis, pygmy Corydoras). Avoid large or boisterous fish that outcompete them at the surface or view them as prey.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Middle to upper levels: an active mid-water shoaler that often cruises just below the surface in shaded areas, dropping lower when startled. Provide open lanes among plants for schooling.

Short Description

Eyespot/Hi-spot Rasbora (Brevibora dorsiocellata) is a tiny Southeast Asian blackwater rasbora. Keep in groups, feed varied small foods, and provide soft-acidic, dimly lit, plant-shaded water for best colour and behaviour.

Q&A

Oceania or Southeast Asia? Southeast Asia: Peninsular Malaysia (incl. Singapore), Sumatra & Borneo; also recorded in southern Thailand.
How big do they really get? Reputable sources list ~3–4 cm adult size; some older/secondary sources claim 6 cm, which is inconsistent with modern references.
Do they need very acidic water? Soft, slightly acidic to neutral works well; stability and cleanliness matter most (blackwater setups are ideal).