Red Line Rasbora (Trigonopoma Pauciperforatum)

Elevate your aquarium with the peaceful Red Line Rasbora, a stunning nano fish perfect for planted community tanks.

• Scientific Name & Origin: The Red Line Rasbora (Trigonopoma pauciperforatum) is a captivating freshwater species native to the blackwater streams and peat swamps of Southeast Asia, particularly found in Malaysia and Indonesia. This natural habitat of soft, acidic water heavily influences their care requirements, making them a truly rewarding species for aquarists who appreciate replicating biotope conditions.
• Distinctive Appearance & Coloration: This fish is celebrated for its sleek, torpedo-shaped body, which is a shimmering silver to pinkish-bronze. The defining feature is the brilliant, iridescent red line that runs horizontally from the snout, through the eye, and along the body to the tail base. This striking red stripe is complemented by a secondary, thinner gold or copper line just below it, creating a double-stripe effect that gleams under proper lighting, adding a touch of elegance to any aquascape.
• Water Conditions & Tank Parameters: To thrive, the Red Line Rasbora requires specific water conditions that mimic its natural environment. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8 and a general hardness (GH) of under 10 dGH. The ideal water temperature is a stable tropical range of 73°F to 79°F (23°C to 26°C). A high-quality filtration system is crucial, but water movement should be gentle; they are not strong swimmers and prefer calm, slow-moving water. Regular weekly water changes of 20-25% are essential to maintain pristine water quality and prevent the build-up of nitrates, which can be detrimental to their long-term health.
• Feeding Habits and Diet: In the wild, Red Line Rasboras are micro-predators, feeding on small insects, zooplankton, and bloodworms. In the home aquarium, they are omnivorous with a preference for live and frozen foods. To keep them in peak condition and enhance their red coloration, offer a varied diet. High-quality micro-pellets or crushed flakes should form the staple, but they will eagerly accept and thrive on supplements of baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and finely chopped bloodworms. Feed them small amounts two to three times daily, ensuring they consume all the food within a couple of minutes. Their small mouths mean that food particles should be small enough for them to ingest easily.
• Tank Mates & Community Compatibility: The Red Line Rasbora is a peaceful and social creature that should be kept in shoals of at least eight to ten individuals. A larger group will not only make them feel more secure and display more natural behavior but will also showcase their brilliant colors. They make excellent companions for other peaceful, similarly-sized community fish. Ideal tank mates include other small rasboras (like the Chili or Galaxy Rasbora), small tetras (such as Neon or Ember Tetras), and dwarf Corydoras catfish. They also coexist beautifully with dwarf shrimp like Cherry or Crystal shrimp, and small snails. Avoid keeping them with large, boisterous, or aggressive species that may intimidate or outcompete them for food. A densely planted aquarium with dark substrate will do wonders to bring out their color.
• Comprehensive Care Requirements: While they are somewhat delicate in terms of water chemistry, they are not overly difficult to care for once the aquarium is properly established. A mature, "aged" tank is highly recommended, as they are sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters. The aquarium should be well-planted with areas of dense vegetation, such as Java fern, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne, providing them with plenty of hiding spots to feel secure. The addition of floating plants to diffuse the lighting is also beneficial as they prefer a dimly lit environment. Regular observation is key; a sudden loss of color or clamped fins can be an early indicator of suboptimal water conditions. With consistent care and attention to their environmental needs, these beautiful fish can live for 5 to 8 years in captivity, becoming a long-lived and cherished part of the aquarium community.