Reticulate rasbora - Rasbora reticulata

Scientific name: Rasbora reticulata

Common name: Reticulate rasbora

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 5 - 6 cm (1.97 - 2.36 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 6.8

Recommended water hardness: 2 - 14°N (35.71 - 250ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°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: Top levels

General Information

The Reticulate Rasbora (Rasbora reticulata) is a small, peaceful cyprinid native to forest streams and peat swamps of the Malay Peninsula (Peninsular Malaysia) and Singapore. It thrives in tannin-stained, plant-rich waters with subdued light. Keep it in a shoal of at least 6–8 for confidence and natural schooling behaviour. Given its modest adult size (about 5–6 cm), it suits community aquaria, provided water quality is high and flow is gentle.

Food and Feeding

This species is an opportunistic omnivore. Use quality flakes or micro-granules as the staple and rotate in meaty foods for colour and conditioning: live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Offer small portions once or twice daily so all food is eaten within a few minutes to protect water quality.

Sexing

Females are usually a little larger and deeper-bodied, especially when gravid. Males tend to stay slimmer and may show slightly sharper fin edges when mature.

Breeding

R. reticulata is an egg-scattering spawner. Use a separate breeding tank with dim lighting, fine-leaved plants or Java moss, and/or spawning mops. Soft, slightly acidic water helps. Parents should be removed after spawning; the adhesive eggs are light-sensitive and are often eaten by adults. Eggs hatch in ~24–36 hours; once free-swimming, start the fry on infusoria, then transition to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

Typically 3–5 years in captivity with stable, clean water and a varied diet.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

Minimum tank length: 60 cm (24″) for a group; larger tanks (80 cm) are better for stable water and schooling.
Temperature: 22–27 °C (71.6–80.6 °F).
pH: 6.0–6.8 ideal (can tolerate up to ~7.0 if stable).
Hardness: soft to medium (approx. 2–10 °dH; tolerance up to mid-range with careful acclimation).
Environment: dark substrate, driftwood, leaf litter/almond leaves, dense planting around sides and back, gentle filtration (filter) and calm surface—this is a top/mid-level species that dislikes strong currents.
Maintenance: weekly 25–30% water changes and consistent parameters.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Peaceful and ideal for community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Good companions include other small rasboras, Harlequin Rasboras, small tetras, Corydoras catfish, and small peaceful gouramis. Avoid fin-nippers and large predators.

Recommended Plants

Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Anubias (dwarf forms)
Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) for cover
Floating plants to diffuse light and encourage surface-level security

Short Description

Reticulate Rasbora (Rasbora reticulata) is a petite, peaceful schooling fish from Southeast Asia’s shaded forest streams. Keep it in groups, provide soft, slightly acidic, well-filtered water and a planted, gently lit tank. A varied diet and calm companions will bring out its best colours and lively top-level movement.

Q&A

Does it suit nano tanks? A small, lightly stocked 40–60 L setup can work if you keep a proper shoal and maintain excellent water quality.
Will it jump? Like many rasboras, it may—use a tight-fitting lid.
Top or middle swimmer? Mostly top levels, often venturing into mid-water when schooling.