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.
Cherry Spot Rasbora At a Glance
Cherry Spot Rasbora Tank Requirements
Will Cherry Spot Rasbora fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Cherry Spot Rasbora needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Cherry Spot Rasbora against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Cherry Spot Rasbora Water Parameters
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Cherry Spot Rasbora Temperament & Compatibility
Cherry Spot Rasbora Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard commercial form, usually sold unsexed in shoals. In a mature environment with a proper group size, males will display a much brighter red dorsal patch while females become noticeably rounder. Must be kept in groups of at least 6, ideally 10+.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Unsexed, Wild Type
Cherry Spot Rasbora Care Guide Summary
The Cherry Spot Rasbora, scientifically known as Rasbora rubrodorsalis, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 3.5 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 Cherry Spot Rasbora requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 45 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Cherry Spot Rasbora is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Cherry Spot Rasbora is typically available in one standard form.
Cherry Spot Rasbora Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Cherry Spot 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 dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Cherry Spot Rasbora Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Cherry Spot 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.
Cherry Spot Rasbora Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Cherry Spot Rasbora.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Spot Rasbora
How big does Cherry Spot Rasbora get?
Cherry Spot Rasbora (Rasbora rubrodorsalis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 3.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Cherry Spot Rasbora need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 45 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Cherry Spot Rasbora. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Cherry Spot Rasbora need?
Cherry Spot Rasbora thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Cherry Spot Rasbora peaceful or aggressive?
Cherry Spot 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 Cherry Spot Rasbora should be kept together?
Cherry Spot 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 Cherry Spot Rasbora have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Cherry Spot Rasbora benefits from plants - densely covered and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Cherry Spot Rasbora
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Cherry Spot 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 Cherry Spot Rasbora
These plants pair well with Cherry Spot 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 Cherry Spot Rasbora
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.
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.
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Danio margaritatus
A breathtaking nano fish native to small, vegetated ponds in Myanmar. They feature a midnight blue body covered in pearlescent spots with striking red and black striped fins. CPDs are notoriously shy and require heavily planted aquariums to feel secure. Males will constantly display and mock-spar with each other, so a larger group is essential to disperse this behavior.
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.
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.
Brilliant Rasbora
Rasbora einthovenii
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.