Emerald Eye Rasbora (Rasbora dorsiocellata)

Emerald Eye Rasbora (Rasbora dorsiocellata)

Emerald Eye Rasbora (Rasbora dorsiocellata)

The Emerald Eye Rasbora (Rasbora dorsiocellata) is also called the Green Eyed Rasbora, the Eye-Spot Rasbora, the Ocellated Rasbora, and the Hi-spot Rasbora by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.

The genus Brevibora of cyprinids that this fish belongs to,  is native to Southeast Asia and is restricted to the Malay Peninsula, and the Malay Arhipelago where they are found in the slow flowing black water rivers and streams that are associated with these ancient forest peat swamps.   They thrive in the canopy covered, dimly lit, tannin stained water that is normally littered with leaves, branches, twigs and decomposing organic matter.

The Emerald Eye Rasbora has an elongated body with a prominent yellow dorsal fin, that has a black dot in it’s center. The colors of this fish vary with locality but most of the fish available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts have a bright blue eye, and at least one form has a reddish sheen on the caudal penducle and the base of the caudal fin.

Female Emerald Eye Rasboras are slightly larger than the males and are more rounded.

Like many species of rasbora, they are egg scatterers and will continuously spawn on their own when housed in a soft water, densely planted aquarium.  The parents will usually eat the eggs after spawning if they can find them, but some usually manage to survive into adulthood.

Emerald Eye Rasboras are a peaceful shoaling fish that should be kept with at least 6 or more specimens in a well established, dimly lit, densely planted aquarium with driftwood, dried Almond leaves and plenty of swimming space. They do well in a community tank with other small peaceful species that require the same water conditions such as other rasboras, small loaches, smaller gourami species, characins, or Corydoras. .

Emerald Eye Rasboras develop their best colors in acidic, very soft tanin stained water with a dark substrate, in an aquarium that has floating plants and subdued lighting. This is one species that should never be used to cycle an aquarium. They must be housed in a well established tank.

The Emerald Eye Rasbora is easy to feed. They do well on a diet of quality flake food and regular offerings of freeze dried bloodworms, daphnia and tubifex.

Most Emerald Eye Rasboras available for purchase are farm raised and are from 1/2″ to 1 1/2″ in size.

Brevibora dorsiocellata (Emerald Eye Rasbora)

Brevibora dorsiocellata (Emerald Eye Rasbora)

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 73-79° F, KH 3-7, pH 6.0-7.5
Max Size: 1 1/2″
Color Form: Black, Green, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility:  Great soft water community tank fish
Origin: Southeast Asia
Family: Cyprinidae
Lifespan: 4-6 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner/Advanced

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