Volcano Rasbora
Rasbora vulcanus
A tiny, peaceful Sumatran schooler that earns its volcanic trade name.
About
A small cyprinid from the Indonesian island of Sumatra, Rasbora vulcanus is sometimes sold under the trade name 'volcano rasbora' or mislabeled as R. reticulata, a closely related but distinct species endemic to the island of Nias. Described only in 1999, it is one of those compact, lively fish that punches above its weight in a well-planted aquarium. It carries a reticulated scale pattern with reddish coloration that distinguishes it from the true reticulata, which lacks those warm tones. At a maximum of around an inch and a half, this is genuinely a small fish, so tankmates need to be chosen with that in mind. It is peaceful across the board and mixes well with other small cyprinids, tetras, anabantoids, and similar community species. Like most rasboras, it is a schooling fish and really does best in groups of eight to ten or more. Keep it in decent numbers and you will see more confident behavior and noticeably better coloration from the males as they display to one another. Exports from western Sumatra are inconsistent, so availability can be patchy, but when you do find this species it is a rewarding, undemanding fish that suits a beginner well.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Volcano Rasbora
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Volcano Rasbora get?
- The Volcano Rasbora reaches about 1–1.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Volcano Rasbora need?
- A minimum of 2 gallons is recommended for the Volcano Rasbora, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Volcano Rasbora need?
- The Volcano Rasbora does best with hardness around 2–15 dGH.
- Is the Volcano Rasbora aggressive?
- The Volcano Rasbora is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Volcano Rasbora eat?
- The Volcano Rasbora is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.