Black Line Rasbora

Description

Black Line Rasbora (Rasbora borapetensis)

The Black Line Rasbora is a sleek, fast-moving schooling fish prized for its elegant horizontal stripe and shimmering silver-gold body. Known for its peaceful temperament and active nature, this species is an excellent choice for community aquariums where movement, harmony, and subtle beauty are desired. When kept in groups, Black Line Rasboras display confident behavior and create a stunning visual effect as they glide through the mid-water zone in unison.

Native to Southeast Asia, Black Line Rasboras inhabit rivers, streams, and floodplains where vegetation is plentiful and water flow is moderate. Their streamlined shape and reflective scales make them especially eye-catching under aquarium lighting, while their calm demeanor ensures compatibility with a wide range of tank mates.

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🖤 Why You’ll Love the Black Line Rasbora

• 🐟 Striking black lateral stripe running from head to tail

• ✨ Shimmering silver to golden body that reflects light beautifully

• 👯 Peaceful schooling fish perfect for community aquariums

• 🌱 Excellent choice for planted tanks

• 👍 Hardy and beginner-friendly once established

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🐠 Appearance & Behavior

Black Line Rasboras grow to an adult size of approximately 5–6 cm, making them a medium-sized rasbora species. Their defining feature is the bold black stripe along the length of the body, often bordered by a faint golden or bronze sheen. Fins are typically translucent with subtle coloration.

These fish are highly social and should be kept in groups of at least 6, though larger shoals of 10 or more will result in more natural behavior and reduced stress. In groups, they are confident, active swimmers that occupy the middle levels of the aquarium and add constant, flowing movement.

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🏡 Tank Requirements & Care

Black Line Rasboras are adaptable and relatively easy to care for, provided they are housed in a stable, well-maintained aquarium.

Tank Size:

• Minimum 60 litres recommended for a small school

• Larger tanks allow for better swimming space and schooling behavior

Water Parameters:

• 🌡 Temperature: 22–26°C

• 💧 pH: 6.0–7.5

• 💦 Soft to moderately hard water

Filtration & Flow:

• Moderate filtration

• Gentle to moderate water movement mimics natural conditions

Consistent water changes and good filtration are key to maintaining their health and coloration.

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🍽 Feeding

Black Line Rasboras are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet. In the wild, they feed on small insects, larvae, and plant matter.

Recommended foods include:

• High-quality micro pellets or flakes

• Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms

• Occasional finely crushed vegetable-based foods

A diverse diet helps maintain strong coloration, energy levels, and overall health.

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👯 Tank Mates

Thanks to their gentle temperament, Black Line Rasboras make excellent community fish. Suitable tank mates include:

• Tetras

• Corydoras

• Peaceful barbs

• Guppies and other livebearers

• Dwarf gouramis

Avoid aggressive or significantly larger fish that may intimidate or outcompete them for food.

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🌿 Aquascaping Inspiration

Black Line Rasboras truly shine in planted aquariums with:

• Dense background plants

• Open mid-water swimming space

• Driftwood or root structures

• Dark substrates to enhance contrast

Floating plants can help diffuse light and encourage more relaxed, natural behavior.

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📌 Quick Facts

• Common Name: Black Line Rasbora

• Scientific Name: Rasbora borapetensis

• Adult Size: 5–6 cm

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Care Level: Easy

• Diet: Omnivore

• Water Type: Freshwater

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✨ The Black Line Rasbora is a timeless community fish that combines elegance, activity, and reliability—perfect for aquarists looking to add graceful movement and understated beauty to their freshwater aquarium.

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