Kubotai Rasbora

Kubotai Rasbora key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

Up to 1.9cm SL

Temperature

20〜27℃

Diet

Fine dried foods and live or frozen Artemia nauplii and daphnia

Tank

Seriously Fish suggests a 60 x 30cm base. It shows well in a densely planted tank and settles under floating plants that soften the light. Because it is so small, fit a sponge over the filter intake.

Water Temperature & Quality

Seriously Fish gives 20-27C, pH 6.0-7.0 and 1-10 dGH; FishBase publishes no temperature or pH for the species. Soft, slightly acidic water is the baseline, and small tanks need frequent partial changes.

Tank Mates

Extremely peaceful but very small, so keep it only with fish of similar size and water preferences. Boraras micros, Boraras naevus, Trigonostigma heteromorpha, T. espei and Pangio species are recommended.

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

It has been bred in aquaria, scattering eggs among vegetation with no parental care. In good condition it spawns often, and in a mature, densely planted tank some fry may survive unaided.

Health & Notes

Groups of eight to ten or more settle it and bring out colour. It is sold under several trade names, so check the scientific name when buying. It reacts badly to sudden changes, so acclimatise slowly. The IUCN rates it Least Concern.

About Kubotai Rasbora

Kubotai Rasbora: a tiny Thai cyprinid growing to just 1.9cm, with a glowing yellow-green body and golden stripe. A striking schooling fish for planted tanks, best suited to intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Kubotai Rasbora

1. 1Keep Them in a School

   Kubotai Rasbora have a strong schooling instinct, and their true appeal doesn't show through when kept alone or in small numbers. Swimming together in a good-sized group brings out the golden stripe pattern beautifully. Plan for a school size that suits your tank before bringing them home.

2. 2Sensitive to Water Quality

   One reason this fish is considered better suited to intermediate keepers is its sensitivity to water conditions. A tank with an established, stable cycle suits it far better than a freshly set-up one. Avoid sudden changes in water parameters and keep up with regular maintenance.

3. 3Tiny but Quick to Jump

   Even as adults, these fish reach only about 1.9cm, but they can leap suddenly when startled. Any gap in the tank cover creates a real risk of them jumping out, so make sure the lid fits securely.

4. 4Peaceful, Good for Mixed Tanks

   Kubotai Rasbora are calm and rarely aggressive toward other fish. Because they're so small, though, it's best to avoid pairing them with large or boisterous species and instead choose similarly sized, gentle tankmates.

5. 5Colors that Pop in Planted Tanks

   The yellow-green body, golden stripe, and clear fins stand out even more vividly against a backdrop of green plants. Thoughtful lighting and layout, plus enough open space for the school to swim, really let their coloring shine.

6. 6Match Food to Mouth Size

   Their mouths are very small, so large pellets or flakes may be difficult for them to eat. Offer powder-fine foods, crushed flakes, or baby brine shrimp sized appropriately for their tiny bodies.

7. 7Watch Feeding Competition

   Fast-moving or hearty-eating tankmates can out-compete Kubotai Rasbora for food, leaving them undernourished. Pairing them with similarly calm, small species helps ensure they get to eat in peace.

Frequently asked questions about Kubotai Rasbora

Q.Is the Kubotai Rasbora suitable for beginners?

A.It's generally considered a fish for intermediate keepers. Since it's sensitive to changes in water quality, it does better in a stable, fully cycled tank than in a newly set-up one.

Q.How many should be kept together?

A.Because they have a strong schooling instinct, they show their best colors and behavior when kept in a reasonably sized group rather than alone or in pairs. Choose a number that comfortably fits your tank size.

Q.Can they be kept with other fish?

A.Yes, they're peaceful and generally do well in community tanks. Since they're very small, though, avoid large or aggressive species and stick to similarly sized, calm tankmates.

Q.What food should I feed them?

A.Their mouths are small, so powder-fine or finely crushed foods work best. Baby brine shrimp and similarly sized foods are also a good match for their tiny bodies.

Q.Do they jump out of the tank?

A.They can leap suddenly when startled. Since any gap in the tank cover creates a risk of them jumping out, it's best to keep the lid securely closed.

Useful tools for Kubotai Rasbora care

Learn more about Kubotai Rasbora in the encyclopedia

More in this category