Orange-Finned Rasbora--Rasbora Vaterifloris

Orange-Finned Rasbora

Origins:Southern Asia, restricted to the island of Sri Lanka.
Size: 1 & 1/2"
Diet:Livefoods, plus flake.
Water:Temperature 77-84F;soft (50 m/l) and acidic (pH 6.0-6.5)
Temperament:Peaceful

The appearance of the Orange-Finned Rasbora differs across its range: individuals found between Valallavites and Meegahatenne are predominantly red, while specimens from around Gilimale on the Kaluganga river are greenish. The depth of orange coloration around the eye socket also varies. Malesa re more colorful and slimmer-bodied than females. In addition to their regular diet, Orange Finned Rasboras will sometimes take small amounts of pollen, available in health-food stores. Rich in protein, pollen can help to encourage spawning, as can livefoods. Orange-Finned Rasboras are often the only fish that occur in parts of their natural habitat, but they can still be mixed with other nonaggressive fish in community aquariums. Their isolation in the wild may also explain why they have a shorter lateral line than other rasboras: being less exposed to predators, they may not have such a great need for this sensory warning system.