Long-band rasbora - Rasbora einthovenii

Scientific name: Rasbora einthovenii

Common name: Long-band rasbora

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 5 - 9 cm (1.97 - 3.54 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6.3 - 7

Recommended water hardness: 4 - 10°N (71.43 - 178.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 78.8°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 Long-band (Brilliant) Rasbora (Rasbora einthovenii) is a peaceful, active shoaler native to Southeast Asia—the Malay Peninsula (incl. Singapore), Sumatra and Borneo, with records into southern Thailand. It inhabits small, shaded forest streams and backwaters with gentle flow and abundant leaf litter/overhanging vegetation. Keep in groups of 8 for confidence and natural schooling. Adults typically reach around 5–7 cm in aquaria; wild maxima are reported at ~9 cm TL.

Food and Feeding

An omnivorous micro-predator. Use quality flakes or small micro-granules as a staple, then rotate small live or frozen foods—brine shrimp nauplii, daphnia, cyclops, finely chopped bloodworms. Offer small portions 1–2× daily so all food is eaten within minutes, protecting water quality. Field and reference profiles note worms, crustaceans and insects as natural prey.

Sexing

Males are usually slimmer and slightly smaller; females are deeper-bodied, especially when gravid. Sexing juveniles is unreliable.

Breeding

Egg-scattering spawner with no parental care. Condition adults well, then use a separate, dimly lit breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or mops. Remove adults post-spawn to prevent egg predation. Eggs generally hatch in ~24–48 h; start fry on infusoria, then newly hatched brine shrimp. Some sources note it may spawn intermittently in planted display tanks; dedicated setups improve yields.

Lifespan

Commonly 3–5 years with clean, stable conditions and a varied diet. (Small cyprinids trend shorter-lived at warmer temperatures.)

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

Minimum footprint: 60–75 cm (24–30″) length to allow schooling and provide stability.
Water: pH ~6.3–7.0; hardness ~4–10 °dH; temperature 23–26 °C. Aim for stable, clean water with good oxygenation.
Environment: dark substrate, dense marginal planting and some floating plants for subdued light; gentle flow; quality filtration. This mirrors shaded forest streams where the species is recorded.
Maintenance: small, regular water changes; avoid abrupt parameter swings.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Peaceful schooling fish. Combine with other small, calm species (rasboras, tetras, peaceful gouramis, small Corydoras). Avoid large/boisterous fish that outcompete them at feeding 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 cover, dropping lower when startled. Provide open lanes among plants for schooling.

Short Description

Long-band/Brilliant Rasbora (Rasbora einthovenii) is a sleek Southeast Asian shoaler from shaded forest streams. Keep in groups, feed varied small foods, and provide soft-neutral, stable water with subdued light for best colour and behavior.

Q&A

South Asia or Southeast Asia? Southeast Asia: Malay Peninsula (incl. Singapore), Sumatra, Borneo; also southern Thailand.
How big do they really get? Wild maximum around 9 cm TL, but aquarium adults are commonly ~5–7 cm.
Do they need very acidic water? Soft, slightly acidic to neutral works well; stability and cleanliness matter most.