The Brilliant Rasbora is a peaceful, highly active schooling fish native to the forest streams and peat swamps of Southeast Asia. Known for its shimmering silver body and distinct dark lateral stripe, they thrive in gently flowing, heavily planted blackwater setups with subdued lighting. They are known jumpers, requiring a tight-fitting lid.
Brilliant Rasbora At a Glance
Brilliant Rasbora Tank Requirements
Will Brilliant Rasbora fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Brilliant Rasbora needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Brilliant Rasbora against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Brilliant Rasbora Water Parameters
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Brilliant Rasbora Temperament & Compatibility
Brilliant Rasbora Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The typical form found in the aquarium trade. A tight schooling fish that relies on the safety of numbers. Without at least 6 conspecifics and adequate floating cover to block harsh light, they will become extremely shy and stressed. Males are generally slightly slimmer and more vibrant than females.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Unsexed
Brilliant Rasbora Care Guide Summary
The Brilliant Rasbora, scientifically known as Rasbora einthovenii, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Brilliant Rasbora requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Brilliant Rasbora is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Brilliant Rasbora is typically available in one standard form.
Brilliant Rasbora Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Brilliant Rasbora, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Brilliant Rasbora Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Brilliant Rasbora is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Brilliant Rasbora Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Brilliant Rasbora.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Brilliant Rasbora
How big does Brilliant Rasbora get?
Brilliant Rasbora (Rasbora einthovenii) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 6.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Brilliant Rasbora need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Brilliant Rasbora. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Brilliant Rasbora need?
Brilliant Rasbora thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–26°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Brilliant Rasbora peaceful or aggressive?
Brilliant Rasbora is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Brilliant Rasbora should be kept together?
Brilliant Rasbora is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Brilliant Rasbora have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Brilliant Rasbora benefits from plants - densely covered, plants - floating, and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Brilliant Rasbora need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Brilliant Rasbora is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Brilliant Rasbora
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Brilliant Rasbora based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Golden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Anentome helena
Ideal Tank MatesBristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
Ideal Tank MatesRamshorn Snail
Planorbidae fam.
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Brilliant Rasbora
These plants pair well with Brilliant Rasbora based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Brilliant Rasbora
Blackline Rasbora
Rasbora borapetensis
The Blackline Rasbora, often sold as the Red-tailed Rasbora, is a hardy and highly active schooling fish native to Southeast Asia. Recognizable by a bold black lateral line topped with gold and a bright red caudal fin, they are peaceful but energetic. They require plenty of horizontal swimming space in the middle to upper levels of the aquarium and must be kept in schools to feel secure.
Dwarf Rasbora
Boraras maculatus
A tiny, peaceful shoaling fish native to the blackwater streams and peat swamps of Southeast Asia. Known for their striking red/orange coloration and distinct dark body spots. They are an excellent choice for heavily planted nano tanks and peaceful dwarf shrimp setups. Because of their minute size, they are easily outcompeted for food and predated upon by larger fish.
Emerald Eye Rasbora
Brevibora dorsiocellata
A small, active schooling fish native to Southeast Asia, famous for the striking black-and-white spot on its dorsal fin and its reflective 'emerald' eyes. They are highly peaceful and thrive in heavily planted or blackwater aquariums. As a strict schooling species, they must be kept in groups to feel secure, establish a natural hierarchy, and display their best colors.
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
A striking, deeply red nano fish native to the blackwater streams and peat swamps of southern Borneo. They are extremely peaceful and require a mature, densely planted aquarium with soft, acidic water. Due to their tiny size, they are completely safe with adult dwarf shrimp and are ideal for nano setups.
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
A highly popular, peaceful schooling fish recognizable by its metallic copper/orange body and the distinct black triangular 'porkchop' patch on its hindquarters. Originating from peat swamps and blackwater streams in Southeast Asia, they are active swimmers that thrive in heavily planted aquariums with gentle to moderate water flow.
Cherry Spot Rasbora
Rasbora rubrodorsalis
A peaceful and active nano cyprinid native to the slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters of the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia. It is characterized by a distinctive bright red spot on its dorsal fin and a dark lateral line. They are a somewhat shy but excellent shoaling species that thrives in blackwater or heavily planted setups.