Exclamation Point Rasbora

Exclamation Point Rasbora key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

2-4 years

Size

1.6cm SL (FishBase records up to 4cm TL)

Temperature

20〜28℃

Diet

Fine dried foods and live or frozen Artemia nauplii and daphnia

Tank

Seriously Fish suggests a 45 x 30cm base. A densely planted tank with driftwood, leaf litter and floating plants to diffuse the light suits it, and filter flow should be gentle, as it comes from sluggish water.

Water Temperature & Quality

Seriously Fish gives 20-28C, pH 6.0-7.0 and 1-10 dGH. It depends less on strongly acidic water than its congeners and does well in soft, slightly acidic conditions. In a small tank, change water often.

Tank Mates

Peaceful but small and timid, so not a general community fish. Other Boraras, plus Microdevario, Sundadanio, Danionella, Trigonostigma, pygmy Corydoras and Otocinclus, are good choices.

Diet & Feeding

Its mouth is very small, so use the finest dried foods. Live or frozen Artemia nauplii and daphnia improve colour and breeding condition. Feed small amounts several times a day.

Breeding & Spawning

An egg-scattering continuous spawner with no parental care. Given fish in good condition, a few eggs are laid every day, and in a mature, densely planted tank some fry survive unaided.

Health & Notes

Groups of eight to ten or more settle it and bring out colour. Published sizes differ widely between sources, so judge tankmates from the fish in front of you. The IUCN rates it Near Threatened and it is not covered by CITES.

About Exclamation Point Rasbora

A tiny Southeast Asian cyprinid whose black stripe and tail-spot resemble an exclamation mark. Prefers soft, weakly acidic water and is generally rated for intermediate keepers; shoals beautifully.

7 things to know before welcoming a Exclamation Point Rasbora

1. 1Prefers Soft, Acidic Water

   In the wild these fish live in the peat swamps and marshes of Southeast Asia, so they thrive in soft, weakly acidic water. Filtering through soil substrate or peat helps keep water chemistry stable.

2. 2A Natural Shoaling Fish

   Kept in a group rather than alone, this rasbora shows more of its natural behavior and its tiny body looks far more lively. Shoaling together is also thought to reduce stress.

3. 3The "Exclamation Mark" Pattern

   The dark stripe along the body paired with the round black spot at the base of the tail resembles an exclamation mark — the source of both its English and Japanese names. It's also a useful clue for telling it apart from closely related Boraras species.

4. 4Choose Small, Peaceful Tankmates

   Because this fish is extremely small, avoid housing it with large or aggressive species and stick to similarly sized, peaceful tankmates. It also tends to do well alongside invertebrates such as shrimp.

5. 5Feed Fine, Small Food

   Its mouth is very small, so powdered or finely crushed food is easiest for it to eat without leftovers. Offering small amounts several times a day helps ensure even nutrition.

6. 6Sensitive to Sudden Water Changes

   Being so small, this fish is sensitive to sudden shifts in water quality or pH. Take time acclimating new arrivals, and change water in small, frequent amounts rather than large infrequent ones.

7. 7Why It's Rated for Intermediate Keepers

   Maintaining stable, soft, weakly acidic water and staying alert to changes in water quality are what place this species in the intermediate category. It helps to understand the basics of water management before bringing one home.

Frequently asked questions about Exclamation Point Rasbora

Q.Is this fish suitable for beginners?

A.This species is generally rated for intermediate keepers, so some prior experience with water quality management is recommended. Beginners who can maintain stable, soft, weakly acidic water can still succeed with it.

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?

A.Because it's so small, it does best with similarly sized, peaceful tankmates. Avoid pairing it with large or aggressive fish.

Q.What tank size does it need?

A.With a standard length of around 1.6 cm, this is an extremely small fish best kept in a group, so choose a tank with enough room for several to shoal comfortably. Maintaining soft, weakly acidic water is equally important.

Q.Where does its name come from?

A.The dark stripe along its body combined with the black spot at the base of the tail looks like an exclamation mark, which is how it got the English name "Exclamation Point Rasbora." This distinctive marking is the same feature behind its Japanese name.

Q.Are there any regulations to be aware of?

A.This species is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Exclamation Point Rasbora care

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