Glowlight Rasbora

Glowlight Rasbora key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

Up to 3cm SL

Temperature

23〜28℃

Diet

Small dried foods and live or frozen brine shrimp and daphnia

Tank

Seriously Fish works from a tank of about 60 x 30cm. Broad-leaved plants double as spawning sites and floating plants that soften the light improve colour; driftwood or peat to tint the water lightly mimics the wild habitat.

Water Temperature & Quality

Seriously Fish gives 23-28C, pH 5.0-7.5 and 1-10 dGH, while FishBase records pH 6.0 and 5-12 dH in the wild. Soft, slightly acidic water is ideal, and it tolerates the acidic end better than its close relatives.

Tank Mates

Very peaceful and an ideal community fish. Small cyprinids, characins, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, catfishes and loaches suit it, but it is tiny, so avoid anything that could swallow it.

Diet & Feeding

Its mouth is small, so use finely graded dried food. Live or frozen brine shrimp and daphnia improve colour. Feed small amounts several times a day.

Breeding & Spawning

The eggs are attached to the undersides of broad leaves or decor and receive no parental care. In good condition it spawns often, and in a mature, densely planted tank a few fry may survive unaided.

Health & Notes

Groups of eight to ten or more settle it and bring out colour. It is sometimes sold under the name of a close relative, so check the narrow black wedge and the orange line. The IUCN rates it Least Concern and it is not covered by CITES.

About Glowlight Rasbora

A small cyprinid with a translucent body and an orange-highlighted black wedge marking. Growing to about 3cm, it favors soft, slightly acidic water and suits planted tanks. Peaceful and schooling, it's an easy choice for beginners.

7 things to know before welcoming a Glowlight Rasbora

1. 1Prefers soft, acidic water

   In the wild across Sumatra and Borneo, Glowlight Rasboras live in soft, slightly acidic water rich in tannins. Matching these conditions in the aquarium helps them settle in and keep their coloring vibrant. A calm, planted setup suits them particularly well.

2. 2Naturally schools together

   This species naturally forms tight schools, so keeping a group together lets you see its true behavior and beauty rather than a single shy fish. Too few individuals can leave them skittish and prone to hiding. Choose a group size that fits comfortably in your tank.

3. 3Peaceful and community-friendly

   Glowlight Rasboras are gentle by nature and mix well with other small, peaceful fish. At only about 3cm, they can be at risk when housed with larger or more aggressive tankmates. Stick to similarly sized, calm species for safe cohabitation.

4. 4Shines in planted tanks

   The translucent body and orange-highlighted marking really stand out against a lush planted layout. Soft lighting paired with driftwood or floating plants helps them feel secure and display natural schooling behavior. They're a popular accent fish in aquascapes.

5. 5Keep the tank covered

   Small cyprinids like this one can leap out of the water when startled. A tight-fitting lid with no gaps helps prevent jumping accidents. They tend to be especially skittish right after being introduced to a new tank, so extra care is worthwhile in the first days.

6. 6Offer small-sized food

   Their small mouths make large food pellets hard to eat. Fine flake food, small granules, or tiny frozen or freeze-dried crustaceans work well. Feeding small amounts several times a day helps make sure the whole school gets fed.

7. 7Acclimate them slowly

   This species can be sensitive to sudden water changes, so a slow, careful acclimation process helps them settle in. Rapid shifts in temperature or water chemistry can cause stress, so a drip acclimation method is recommended. Watch their appetite and swimming behavior closely for the first few days after introduction.

Frequently asked questions about Glowlight Rasbora

Q.Is this fish suitable for beginners?

A.Yes, it's hardy and adaptable, making it a good choice for beginner aquarists. With basic water quality maintenance and proper feeding, it's relatively easy to keep successfully.

Q.How many should I keep together?

A.Since this species naturally schools, keeping several together lets you see its natural behavior more clearly. Choose a group size that comfortably fits your tank.

Q.Can it live with other fish?

A.Yes, its peaceful temperament makes it easy to keep alongside other calm, small fish. It's best to avoid aggressive or much larger tankmates for safety.

Q.Does it work well in a planted tank?

A.Yes, its preference for soft, slightly acidic water makes it a great match for planted aquariums, where its coloring stands out beautifully. Since it likes a calm environment, adding plants or driftwood as hiding spots helps it feel secure.

Q.Is this species regulated under CITES?

A.No, the Glowlight Rasbora is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Glowlight Rasbora care

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