Maximum size : 6 cm

Red Line Rasbora - Trigonopoma pauciperforata : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide

Red Line Rasboras (Trigonopoma pauciperforata) are the perfect addition to any peaceful community aquarium! These fascinating fish are not only peaceful and active but also incredibly adaptable, making them ideal for a variety of water conditions.

Regarding tankmates, Red Line Rasboras prefer to hang out with similarly-sized Cyprinids, small Loaches, other Rasboras, and Pencilfish. However, it's important to avoid boisterous or vigorous tankmates, as they may outcompete these slow feeders for food.

Consider setting up an established, heavily planted aquarium to bring out the best in your Red Line Rasboras. This will not only help intensify their vibrant colours but also provide them with a sense of security. Adding dark substrate, spindly driftwood, and dark caves will further enhance their natural habitat, and dried leaf litter such as beech, oak, or almond leaves can promote the growth of beneficial microbe colonies while simulating a blackwater environment.

Red Line Rasboras are shoaling fish, meaning they thrive in groups of six or more individuals. Keeping them in more significant numbers will not only make them less nervous but also create a more stunning, natural-looking display. Males will also compete for female attention, displaying their best colours in the process.

With an elongated brownish-grey body, forked tail, and smokey grey fins, Red Line Rasboras are truly a sight to behold. But what sets them apart is their bright neon reddish-orange stripe that runs parallel from the tip of the snout through the upper part of the eye to the caudal fin. So why not add a group of these captivating fish to your aquarium today?

Red Line Rasbora Photos

Sexual Dimorphism

Distinguishing between male and female Red Line Rasboras can be a challenging task for many aquarists. However, several subtle physical characteristics can help differentiate between the two genders.

Typically, male Red Line Rasboras are slightly smaller and slimmer than their female counterparts. They also possess a distinct red line on their bodies, which is absent in females. On the other hand, females tend to be somewhat larger and much plumper, particularly when spawning. In addition, the line on the female's body is more orange in colour, which provides a clear contrast to the male's red line.

By closely observing these subtle physical differences, experienced aquarists can quickly distinguish between male and female Red Line Rasboras with a high degree of accuracy.

Quick Facts

Scientific Name	Trigonopoma pauciperforata
Year Described	1916
Other Names	Red Stripe Rasbora, Redstriped Rasbora, Redlined Rasbora, Glowlight Red Line Rasbora
Kingdom	Animalia
Classification	Actinopterygii
Order	Cypriniformes
Family	Cyprinidae
Genus	Trigonopoma
Origins	Malaysia , Singapore , Indonesia
Max Size	6 cm
Temperament	Peaceful
Aquarium Level	Middle - Top
Difficulty	Beginner - Intermediate
Shoaling	Yes
Best kept as	Groups 8+
Diet & Feeding	Omnivore
Reproduction	Egg-Scatterer
Average Lifespan	Up to 5 Years

Water Parameters

Water Type	Freshwater
pH	5.0 - 7.5
GH	5 - 12
TDS	0 - 179

Ideal Temperature
℉	69 - 79
℃	20 - 26

Natural Habitat

Red Line Rasboras are a fascinating fish species found exclusively in Southeast Asia's lush, tropical regions. These stunning fish are endemic to the Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and the Greater Sunda Islands of Borneo and Sumatra, where they inhabit black water rivers and streams associated with ancient forest peat swamps.

In their natural habitat, Red Line Rasboras are typically found in water that is stained dark brown due to tannins and other chemicals released by decaying natural material. They prefer to inhabit shallow, overgrown, shaded, slow-moving to almost still streams with dense vegetation.

These unique and beautiful fish have adapted to thrive in this specialized habitat, where the environment provides the perfect conditions for their growth and survival. Their preference for slow-moving or still waters with dense vegetation offers them ample opportunities to feed and find shelter.

For aquarists who wish to create a natural and authentic habitat for these fascinating fish, mimicking their native environment is key. By providing a shallow, densely planted aquarium with subdued lighting, and blackwater conditions, Red Line Rasboras can thrive and display their vibrant colours in a setting that closely resembles their natural habitat.

Breeding

Red Line Rasboras are small, egg-scattering free spawners that exhibit no parental care, much like most small Cyprinids. If you are hoping to breed these captivating fish and maximize your yield, a more controlled approach will be required.

To begin, you should condition an adult group together and set up a separate breeding tank. This tank should be filled with mature water and covered with mesh, artificial grass matting, or glass marbles. Fine-leaved plants such as Java Moss or spawning mops can also be used to provide a suitable environment for spawning. The water in your breeding tank should be slightly acidic, the temperature somewhat higher than usual, and you will need an air-powered sponge filter or air stone for water movement and oxygenation.

Once the females appear gravid, you can introduce one or two pairs into the breeding tank. Alternatively, you can choose to spawn the fish in a group, with half a dozen individuals of each sex being ideal, but a larger aquarium will be required. Spawning will typically take place the following morning.

It's important to note that the adults will likely consume the eggs if given a chance. Therefore, removing the eggs or the parents as soon as you notice any is crucial. Depending on the temperature, the eggs should hatch 18 to 48 hours later, and the fry will become free-swimming 3 to 4 days after that.

To feed the fry, you should start with infusoria-grade food for the first few days until they are large enough to accept crushed flake food, baby brine shrimp, and microworm. Then, Red Line, Rasbora fry will thrive and grow into stunning adult fish with proper care and attention.

Diet & Feeding

Maintaining the optimal health and vibrant colours of Red Line Rasboras in an aquarium requires a well-balanced and varied diet. While these fish are not particularly finicky eaters, it's essential to provide them with a mix of both live and frozen foods, as well as high-quality dried flakes, granules, and tubifex.

To ensure the best condition and colouration of these fish, offering them a varied diet that includes foods such as artemia, bloodworm, and daphnia is recommended. These live and frozen foods provide essential nutrients that contribute to the overall health of the fish and can also enhance their natural colours.

In addition to these protein-rich foods, high-quality dried flakes and granules should be a staple part of the Red Line Rasbora's diet. These foods are typically fortified with essential vitamins and minerals that support the immune system and promote healthy growth.

By providing a well-rounded and nutritious diet that includes a variety of live and dried foods, aquarists can ensure the optimal health and vibrancy of their Red Line Rasboras.

Videos

Other Rasboras