Glowlight Rasbora
Rasbora dusonensis
Description
The Glowlight Rasbora is a small, peaceful species of rasbora known for its glowing, vibrant appearance. It has a slender, elongated body with a bright orange to reddish stripe running horizontally along the middle of its body, from its head to its tail. The rest of the body is generally translucent or pale, which enhances the striking glow of the central stripe, especially under aquarium lighting. The males often show more vivid coloration compared to females, and the fish also has a small, upturned mouth. Glowlight Rasboras are social, peaceful fish that prefer to swim in schools, and they are often seen in the middle or upper regions of the tank. Their calm nature and bright colors make them an attractive choice for community aquariums.
Habitat Origin
Native to the freshwater rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. They are commonly found in slow-moving, clear waters with abundant vegetation. These fish thrive in areas with dense plants and submerged roots, which provide hiding spots and areas to graze.
Aquarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: At least 6 individuals, as they are schooling fish and feel more secure in groups.
Favorite Food
Glowlight Rasboras are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They will also graze on algae and plant matter, making them well-suited for planted tanks. A varied diet ensures they maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health.
Behavior:
Glowlight Rasboras are peaceful and social, often seen swimming in small schools. They are calm and non-aggressive, making them ideal for community tanks. These fish feel most secure in groups and exhibit their natural behavior and coloration when kept with others of their kind. They are active swimmers, typically found in the middle or upper parts of the tank. Glowlight Rasboras are not fin-nippers and can coexist with a wide variety of other small, non-aggressive fish. They are ideal for aquariums that focus on peaceful species.
Special Care:
Glowlight Rasboras thrive in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as rocks, driftwood, and dense plants. A fine gravel or sandy substrate is ideal for them to forage naturally. Regular water changes and good filtration are essential for maintaining water quality, as they are sensitive to poor conditions. Providing a stable environment with moderate water flow and keeping water parameters stable will ensure their well-being. These fish enjoy slightly acidic to neutral water and should be housed in tanks that replicate their natural habitat.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Yes, Glowlight Rasboras are ideal for peaceful community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species. They can be kept with other rasboras, tetras, small catfish, and peaceful shrimp. They should be housed with tankmates that occupy different levels of the tank, as they typically swim in the middle or upper regions. Larger or aggressive species should be avoided, as they may intimidate or harass the Glowlight Rasboras.
Breeding Setup
It is recommended to use a separate breeding tank for Glowlight Rasboras to ensure control over water quality and prevent egg predation. A 10-gallon tank (38 liters) is suitable for a small group, while a 20-gallon tank (75 liters) is better for multiple pairs. Ideal water parameters include pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 24–28°C (75–82°F), and hardness 4–12 dGH. Use a gentle sponge filter, fine gravel or sand, and live plants like Java moss or Hornwort for egg attachment and fry shelter. Maintain moderate lighting on a 12-hour light/dark cycle to simulate natural conditions.
Conditioning for Breeding
Condition Glowlight Rasboras with a nutritious, varied diet to support reproductive health. Feed high-quality flakes or micro pellets, live or frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms), and vegetable matter like spinach or peas. Weekly 20–30% water changes help keep the water clean. To trigger spawning, perform a 50% water change and increase the temperature slightly to around 28°C, mimicking rainy season conditions that stimulate breeding behavior.
Spawning Process
Spawning typically occurs in the early morning after environmental conditions have been optimized. Males display bright colors and court females with swimming displays. Females scatter 20–50 adhesive eggs on plants or tank surfaces, which are fertilized immediately by the males. It is crucial to remove the parents right after spawning, as they may consume the eggs or fry if left in the tank.
Fry Care
Eggs hatch in about 24–36 hours, depending on temperature. The fry rely on their yolk sacs for nourishment initially. After a few days, introduce infusoria or liquid fry food, then gradually offer baby brine shrimp, microworms, or crushed flakes as the fry grow. Maintain high water quality with 10–20% daily or alternate-day water changes, and keep the temperature stable within the ideal range. Avoid overfeeding, which can lead to water fouling and harm the sensitive fry.
Key Considerations
Glowlight Rasboras reach sexual maturity at around 6–12 months. Males are more colorful and slender, while females are rounder and less vivid, particularly when gravid. Avoid stressful conditions such as sudden water changes, poor filtration, or aggressive tank mates. A calm, clean, and stable environment is essential for successful breeding and healthy fry development.