Blue Line Rasbora - (No Online Purchases)

The Blue Line Rasbora (Rasbora sarawakensis), also known as the Sarawak Rasbora, is a peaceful, schooling fish native to the slow-moving "blackwater" streams of Borneo. While not as common in the hobby as the Harlequin Rasbora, they are highly prized for their subtle, shimmering beauty and tight schooling behavior.

Appearance & Identification
Colouration: They have a pale golden or silver body with a striking, electric blue horizontal stripe running from the snout to the base of the tail. In the right lighting, this stripe has a neon-like glow.

Body Shape: Slender and torpedo-shaped, typical of active swimmers.

Size: They are relatively small, usually reaching 1.5 to 2 inches (4–5 cm).

Distinction: They are often confused with the Blue Cardinal Rasbora (Rasbora rutteni). The main difference is that the Blue Line Rasbora has a more pointed snout and a stripe that remains consistent in intensity across its whole body.

Tank Setup
Schooling: You should keep them in groups of at least 8–10. When kept in small numbers, they become shy and lose their vibrant color.

Decor: They look best against a dark substrate. Use plenty of live plants (like Java Fern or Anubias) and driftwood to provide hiding spots.

Water Flow:They prefer gentle filtration. High-flow powerheads can stress them out as they come from sluggish forest streams.

Diet & Temperament
Diet: They are omnivores. In the aquarium, they will readily accept high-quality flakes and micro-pellets. For the best health and color, supplement their diet with small live or frozen foods like Daphnia, Baby Brine Shrimp, or Bloodworms.

Temperament: Extremely peaceful. They make excellent "dither fish," meaning their active swimming helps shyer species feel safe enough to come out into the open.

Compatible Tank Mates:

Other small Rasboras and Tetras.

Corydoras catfish and Kuhli loaches.

Dwarf Gouramis or Honey Gouramis.

Peaceful dwarf shrimp (though they may eat very small shrimplets).

Quick Tip for Success
If you want to see their "blue line" really pop, try adding Indian Almond Leaves to the tank. The tannins released will slightly tint the water amber, which mimics their natural blackwater habitat and makes their iridescent stripe glow much more intensely.

Care & Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 80L
• Temperature: 22°C – 26°C
• pH Level: 6.0 - 7.0 (Slightly Acidic)
• Hardness: Soft to Moderately Soft (2-10 dGH)
• Lighting: Dim or Subdued