Rummynose Rasbora
Sawbwa resplendens
An active, striking nano fish endemic to Inle Lake in Myanmar. Uniquely, they are completely scaleless. They strictly require hard, alkaline water to thrive and are sensitive to medications due to their lack of scales. They are schooling fish that must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best behavior.
Rummynose Rasbora At a Glance
Rummynose Rasbora Tank Requirements
Will Rummynose Rasbora fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Rummynose Rasbora needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Rummynose Rasbora against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Rummynose Rasbora Water Parameters
Rummynose Rasbora Temperament & Compatibility
Rummynose Rasbora Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Displays a brilliant silvery-blue body with a bright red-orange snout and red tips on the caudal fin lobes. Males will continuously spar with each other for dominance, making a larger group essential to disperse aggression.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Red Nose, Show Male
Female
Lacks the red coloration entirely, exhibiting a uniform pale silver to olive body. They are essential to keep the males actively displaying and less stressed. Usually slightly plumper than males.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Silver, Wild Type
Rummynose Rasbora Care Guide Summary
The Rummynose Rasbora, scientifically known as Sawbwa resplendens, 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 mid-level zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Rummynose 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 20°C and 25°C, with a pH range of 7.3–8.5 and a general hardness of 10–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Rummynose Rasbora is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Rummynose Rasbora Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Rummynose Rasbora, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise 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.
Rummynose Rasbora Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Rummynose 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. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Rummynose Rasbora Is Actually For
Rummynose Rasbora is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 8. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Rummynose Rasbora for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Rummynose Rasbora Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Rummynose Rasbora.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Rummynose Rasbora
How big does Rummynose Rasbora get?
Rummynose Rasbora (Sawbwa resplendens) 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 Rummynose Rasbora need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Rummynose Rasbora. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Rummynose Rasbora need?
Rummynose Rasbora thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–25°C, a pH between 7.3 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 10–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Rummynose Rasbora peaceful or aggressive?
Rummynose Rasbora is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Rummynose Rasbora should be kept together?
Rummynose Rasbora is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 8. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Rummynose Rasbora have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Rummynose Rasbora benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Rummynose Rasbora
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Rummynose Rasbora based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Trapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesHillstream Loach
Beaufortia leveretti
Ideal Tank MatesEmerald Green Cory
Corydoras splendens
Ideal Tank MatesCelebes Halfbeak
Nomorhamphus liemi
Ideal Tank MatesAgassiz Cory
Corydoras agassizii
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Rummynose Rasbora
These plants pair well with Rummynose Rasbora based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Rummynose Rasbora
Red Dwarf Rasbora
Microrasbora rubescens
A stunning but rare nano species endemic to Lake Inle, Myanmar. Unlike most rasboras that prefer soft acidic water, this species strictly requires harder, alkaline water (pH 7.5+) to thrive and display its vibrant orange-red coloration. They are peaceful, active schoolers that must be kept in large groups in planted aquariums.
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.
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.
Nana Rasbora
Microdevario nana
A true micro-fish endemic to Myanmar, the Nana Rasbora rarely exceeds 1.5cm (0.6 inches). They exhibit a translucent yellowish body with a subtle iridescent blue lateral stripe and a distinct black blotch on the dorsal fin. Due to their minute size, they are completely peaceful, highly shrimp-safe, and must be kept in schools of at least 6-8 in densely planted, mature aquariums. Providing leaf litter and dim lighting will help them 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.
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.