Hi-spot Rasbora

About

The hi-spot rasbora (Rasbora dorsiocellata) is a slender, small-bodied fish from the soft, acidic streams and forest pools of the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia. Its most distinctive feature is the dark ocellus, or eye-spot, sitting at the base of the dorsal fin. A sharp marking that stands out against an otherwise understated, silvery body. In the wild it feeds on worms, small crustaceans, and insects, so it appreciates a varied diet in the aquarium that includes both prepared foods and the occasional live or frozen offering. Because it originates from soft, acidic blackwater environments, matching those water conditions reasonably well is important for keeping this species in good health long-term, which is why it tends to suit hobbyists with a bit of experience rather than complete beginners. A group of six or more will bring out more natural schooling behavior and reduce any shyness. Being a small fish that stays under two and a half inches at most, it works well in modest-sized planted setups, and pairs nicely with other soft-water species from the same region. Given the right conditions, it is a rewarding and active little rasbora that holds its own in a well-planned community.