All fish / Danionidae

Vulcan Rasbora

Rasbora vulcanus

Also known as volcano rasbora, vulcanus rasbora, vulcan rasbora, ラスボラ・ヴルカヌス, wader

A slim, active rasbora from highland streams in Sumatra, with a dark lateral stripe and warm orange to red tones on the fins and upper body, plus dark tips on the tail lobes. It is kept for its bright colour in a busy shoal and its hardy, peaceful nature in planted community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and granules, plus live or frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Indonesia: Sumatra (Barisan Mountains, Padang highlands)

Breeding

An egg scatterer that gives no parental care and will eat its own eggs. Spawning in a separate tank with fine-leaved plants or mesh is fairly straightforward, with the fry raised on infusoria and then baby brine shrimp.

Good to know

Described in 2011 and still uncommon in the trade, so it may be confused with similar species such as Rasbora borapetensis or Rasbora dorsinotata. It is a quick swimmer that needs good flow, oxygen-rich water and a tight-fitting lid.