Neon Green Rasbora

Looks how to spot one

Tiny, slender cyprinid with clear fins

A miniature fish with a see-through, slim body. In the wild it looks pale yellow and translucent, while aquarium fish glow lime to greenish yellow with a golden line along the side. The fins are clear. Males are slimmer and more intensely coloured, females are a little larger and deeper bodied.13

Personality what they are like

Gentle and slightly shy. It feels most secure and looks best in a sizeable group, where it moves about in loose, shimmering shoals.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active little swimmer that likes well oxygenated water with light to moderate flow and open swimming space between plants.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Small, frequent meals and stable water suit it. A planted, mature tank with regular partial water changes keeps it relaxed.1

Home where they are happiest

Clear, soft water at about 20 to 27 C, pH roughly 6.0 to 7.0 and hardness 1 to 10 dGH. A base of at least 60 x 30 cm (about 54 litres). Sand or gravel, leaf litter, wood and plants recreate its forest headwaters.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Likely feeds on tiny invertebrates and zooplankton in nature. Offer very small dry foods along with live or frozen Daphnia and baby brine shrimp.1

Company who they like around

A schooling fish found in the wild in groups of 20 to 50. Keep at least 8 to 10, ideally more, with other tiny peaceful fish.1

The story where it all began

Described by Kottelat and Witte in 1999 as Microrasbora kubotai, and moved to the genus Microdevario after a 2009 genetic study. It honours Katsuma Kubota, a fish collector and trader. It lives in clear forest headwaters of western Thailand and neighbouring Myanmar.132

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Least Concern (assessed February 2011)3