Rasbora Types

Rasboras are a large type of fish which belong to the Cyprinid family. Rasboras can be found throughout Asia, North America, Africa, and Asia. Along with true rasbora species, several other fish species belonging to the Cyprinid family (and closely related to rasboras) are often known as rasboras in the pet industry. These other rasbora groups include microrasboras, trigonostigmas, and boraras. In addition, some fish that are not actually rasboras are commonly known as rasboras.

  1. Rasboras

    • There are 71 rasbora fish that actually belong to the genus rasbora. These rasboras include Rasbora daniconius, the slender rasbora, Rasbora kalochroma, the clown rasbora, and Rasbora steineri, the Chinese rasbora, among others. True rasboras are generally medium-sized fish, growing to about four or five inches in length. However, size does vary with each species. Specific habitat and feeding needs also vary, although most rasboras are omnivores. Rasboras are generally brightly colored but again, appearance varies between species.

    Microrasboras

    • Microrasboras often resemble other rasboras in both body shape and bright coloration or patterning however, unlike other rasboras, microrasboras remain very small. Most microrasboras grow to only an inch in length, if that. There are five types of microrasboras. They are Microrasbora erythromicron, also known as the emerald dwarf rasbora, Microrasbora gatesi, the Burmese golden rasbora, Microrasbora nana, Microrasbora kubotai, and Microrasbora rubescens. Coloration, behavior, habitat, and food needs vary between microrasbora species.

    Trigonostigmas

    • Trigonostigmas are a genus within the Cyprinid family. Although not technically rasboras, these fish are usually referred to as rasboras in their common names. They share many of the same characteristics of other rasboras. Trigonostigma fish are brightly colored. They are a schooling fish, and tend to be peaceful in the aquarium. Among species specific coloration, size, and temperament can vary. There are four trigonostigma species that are known as rasboras. These species are Trigonostigma heteromorpha, the harlequin rasbora, Trigonostigma hengeli, the glowlight rasbora, Trigonostigma somphongsi, and Trigonostigma espei, the lambchop rasbora.

    Boraras

    • Another Cyprinid family member is boraras fish. Like trigonostigmas, boraras have a similar appearance and temperament to other rasboras. There are five boraras fish that are commonly known as rasboras. These are Boraras brigittae, Boraras merah, Boraras urophthalmoides, also known as the exclamation point rasbora, Boraras micros, and Boraras maculates, also known as the dwarf rasbora. Boraras rasboras tend to stay small, only growing to about an inch in length.

    Other Rasboras

    • Three other fish species, which are not included in the rasbora, microrasbora, trigonostigmas, and boraras groups, are commonly known as rasboras. These are Sundadanio axelrodi, also known as Axelrod's rasbora, Sawbwa resplendens, the naked microrasbora or rummy nose rasbora, and Celestichthys margaritatus, the galaxy rasbora. These three fish have a similar appearance and temperament to other rasboras, which is why they are commonly called rasboras.