Yellowtail Rasbora - Rasbora tornieri : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Yellowtail Rasboras (Rasbora tornieri) are a delightful addition to any well-curated community aquarium. These peaceful and shy fish are ideal for those who enjoy observing their aquatic pets in a tranquil and harmonious environment. However, they do require particular attention to their water quality, as they are intolerant of any organic waste build-up. As such, maintaining an impeccable maintenance schedule is vital, making them better suited for experienced aquarists.
Yellowtail Rasboras are naturally schooling fish, and it's recommended to keep them in groups of at least six individuals to promote their well-being. Maintaining them in good numbers will not only make the fish less nervous but will result in a more natural and stunning display. Additionally, males exhibit fascinating behaviours when competing for female attention, making for an exciting sight.
These charming fish can either be kept in a species-only aquarium or in a community aquarium with similarly-sized and peaceful species. However, it's important to avoid housing them with much larger, more aggressive or boisterous species, as it can cause undue stress or harm. Given their maximum size of 15 cm, it is best to maintain a shoal of these fish in an aquarium of at least 225 litres. Moreover, a tight-fitting lid is essential as these fish may jump if they feel threatened.
Yellowtail Rasboras thrive in heavily planted aquariums or in setups designed to mimic the flowing river environments they typically inhabit. It is best to use a substrate of different-sized gravel and stones, along with some large smooth rocks and medium water movement, to mirror their natural habitat. You can also add some driftwood alongside some hardy aquatic plants to make them feel at home.
Yellowtail Rasboras have a stunning silvery body, accented by a thick, dark brown midlateral stripe that extends from the operculum to the caudal fin base. Above that, they have a second light-yellow stripe, and finally, their bright yellow caudal fin is edged with black. These striking fish are sure to captivate any observer with their unique and attractive appearance.
Yellowtail Rasbora Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between the female and male Yellowtail Rasboras is a relatively straightforward task. Fully mature females are distinguishable by their visibly rounded abdomens and slightly larger size in comparison to males. On the other hand, males are smaller in size, and the intensity of the yellow stripe on their bodies is generally more prominent than in females.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Rasbora tornieri |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1922 |
| Other Names | None |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Rasbora |
| Origins | Indonesia , Malaysia , Thailand |
| Max Size | 15 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 8 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 10 - 15 |
| TDS | 18 - 179 |
| ℉ | 72 - 81 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The captivating Yellowtail Rasboras are a species that can be found in various regions throughout Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, Indochina, and Thailand. These fish inhabit a range of diverse habitats, from flowing streams to more sluggish blackwaters associated with areas of old peat swamp forests. The latter is typically covered in fallen leaves, twigs, and branches, providing a natural environment for these fish to thrive.
Yellowtail Rasboras can also be found in permanent bodies of water, such as pools, backwaters, canals, ditches, and reservoirs. During the wet season, these fish are also known to move into flooded areas, showcasing their remarkable adaptability to changing environments.
With such a widespread distribution, it's no wonder that Yellowtail Rasboras are so beloved by aquarists around the world. Whether in their natural habitats or within an aquarium setting, these fish are sure to impress with their unique and striking appearance.
Breeding
Regrettably, the successful breeding of Yellowtail Rasboras within the aquarium hobby has yet to be documented. Nonetheless, these fish are thought to be egg scattering spawners that exhibit no parental care and likely reproduce during the rainy season.
Diet & Feeding
Within an aquarium setting, Yellowtail Rasboras will readily consume good-quality dried food of an appropriate size. However, it's crucial to avoid relying solely on dry food and instead provide them with daily servings of small frozen or live food such as artemia, daphnia, bloodworms, and similar fare. This will not only promote optimal colouration and health for your fish but also stimulate breeding behaviour.
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