Largescaled Rasbora
Rasbora paucisqualis
A tiny forest stream rasbora from the Mekong, rarely seen outside scientific collections.
About
The Largescaled Rasbora (Rasbora paucisqualis) is a small, slender cyprinid from the Mekong basin and the Malaysian peninsula, where it lives in clear, fast-moving forest streams, typically in pools with good water movement. Adults top out at around an inch and a half, putting this species firmly in the nano-fish category. Despite its modest size and beginner-friendly care requirements, it remains genuinely scarce in the hobby. Commercial collection is essentially nonexistent, and most fishkeepers will never encounter one at their local shop. What little is known about its wild behavior suggests it follows a seasonal breeding cycle tied to the rainy season, spawning in rivers and ponds when conditions are right. Taxonomically, R. paucisqualis sits within the R. trifasciata species group, one of several informal clusters used to organize the sprawling and historically messy Rasbora genus. For anyone lucky enough to source this fish, its small adult size and undemanding water requirements suggest it would be manageable for a keeper with basic experience, though the lack of hobbyist records means detailed husbandry guidance is thin. If you do come across it, that rarity alone makes it worth a closer look.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Largescaled Rasbora
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Largescaled Rasbora get?
- The Largescaled Rasbora reaches about 1–1.5" as an adult.
- What water parameters does the Largescaled Rasbora need?
- The Largescaled Rasbora does best with a temperature of 72–77°F, a pH of 6–7.5, hardness around 2–12 dGH.
- Is the Largescaled Rasbora aggressive?
- The Largescaled Rasbora is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.