Rasbora Vulcanus

Datasheet

General Description

The Rasbora Vulcanus, described in 1999, is a peaceful species ideal for community tanks. It is a schooling fish native to the small island of Nias, off Sumatra's northwestern coast. The males display vibrant colors and belong to the family Cyprinidae, reaching a maximum size of 4.1cm.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Rasbora Vulcanus, a well-furnished tank with plants, dark substrate, and floating plants is recommended. Maintaining a stable water temperature between 23-26°C, pH of 6.5-7.5, and hardness of 2-15°dH is essential. Ensure a tightly-fitting cover as they are known to jump.

Behaviour

Rasbora Vulcanus is a schooling species by nature, thriving in groups of at least 8-10 individuals. Keeping them in decent numbers reduces stress and enhances their natural display. Males exhibit their best colors while competing for female attention.

Feeding and Diet

As micropredators, Rasbora Vulcanus feeds on small insects, worms, crustaceans, and zooplankton in nature. In captivity, they accept dried, live, and frozen foods like Daphnia and Artemia. Offering a varied diet ensures optimal coloration and encourages breeding conditions.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

These fish are egg-scattering spawners, spawning often in densely planted tanks without parental care. To increase fry yield, creating separate breeding tanks with dim lighting and egg protection mesh is essential. Males feature intense red/orange coloration, while females are paler and heavier-bodied.

Habitat and Distribution

Commonly found in clear, flowing streams, Rasbora Vulcanus was initially collected near the Batang Si Joontour river in West Sumatra. Although rumored to be endemic to this region, precise distribution remains uncertain due to limited available records.