Red Cherry Rasbora

The red cherry rasbora (Rasbora lacrimula) is a diminutive cyprinid species originating from the island of Borneo, where it inhabits soft, acidic forest streams and peat swamp environments. It is a relatively recent addition to the aquarium hobby, having been described scientifically in the early 2000s, and remains less commonly encountered in the trade than many of its better-known relatives. Like other members of the genus, it is a peaceful schooling fish that thrives in well-planted, mature aquaria with stable water conditions.

Reaching only 3.1 cm (1.2 in) in standard length, this is a true micro fish suitable for nano and species-specific aquaria. It should be maintained in groups of at least 8–10 specimens, where it will display natural schooling behaviour and the males will show their best colouration. The body is a subtle reddish-bronze with a distinctive dark lateral stripe and a red patch in the middle of the caudal fin. Given its tiny size, it requires very small food items and benefits from regular offerings of live and frozen micro-foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and microworm alongside finely crushed flake.

The red cherry rasbora requires soft, acidic water typical of blackwater environments, with a temperature range of 22–26°C and pH between 4.0–7.5. A minimum tank size of 40 L (10.5 gal) is adequate for a small school. The aquarium should be heavily planted with subdued lighting, floating plants, and plenty of leaf litter to mimic its natural habitat. It is a superb shoaling fish for planted blackwater aquaria and should not be kept with large or boisterous tankmates that would intimidate or outcompete it. This species is an insectivore in nature, feeding on zooplankton and small aquatic insects.