Easy to intermediate
Chocolate Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
£13.99
The Redline Rasbora (Rasbora pauciperforata) is a peaceful 7cm shoaling fish with a vivid red stripe, ideal for soft-water planted community tanks. Buy live tropical fish online UK.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Rasbora pauciperforata
Redline Rasbora are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour. Larger shoals stay calmer, eat better, and look stunning.
The Redline Rasbora (Rasbora pauciperforata) is a peaceful 7cm shoaling fish with a vivid red stripe, ideal for soft-water planted community tanks. Buy live tropical fish online UK.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
If you want a schooling fish that looks refined rather than flashy, the Redline Rasbora (Rasbora pauciperforata) is one of the most elegant choices in the tropical fish UK hobby. Sold in the trade under the modern name Trigonopoma pauciperforatum, this slim cyprinid is known for its warm bronze sheen and clean red lateral stripe, bringing constant movement to the middle of the aquarium without the fin-nipping or territorial behaviour seen in some other community species. It comes from blackwater habitats in Malaysia and Sumatra, reaches around 7 cm as an adult, and can live for up to 5 years in stable, soft, slightly acidic water. For aquarists searching for tropical fish uk for sale, a way to buy live fish online uk, or a dependable species for a planted display, this fish stands out for its calm nature and active schooling behaviour.
It is especially popular with keepers building community tropical fish uk setups that look natural. The species does best in groups of 8 or more, so it suits a well-planned aquascape rather than a sparse starter tank. If you have been comparing aquarium fish online uk, weighing up aquarium fish price uk, or wondering which is the best place to buy tropical fish online uk, this species offers a rare mix of beauty, manageable care, and excellent compatibility. Our photographs show the red stripe, body shape, and group swimming pattern in a mature planted aquarium. For fishkeepers who want graceful movement, subtle colour, and reliable community behaviour, Redline Rasboras are a rewarding choice.
The Redline Rasbora belongs to the large carp and minnow family, Cyprinidae, which includes many of the most popular small freshwater schooling fish in the aquarium trade. The species is valued for its streamlined shape, coordinated swimming, and suitability for peaceful community aquariums. Although not as commonly seen as some tetras, it has earned a strong reputation among keepers of rare tropical fish uk and tropical fish uk freshwater displays because it combines understated colour with easy day-to-day care.
The redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum habitat is found in slow-moving waters across parts of Malaysia and Sumatra. In the wild, these fish live in peat swamps, forest streams, and tannin-stained backwaters where leaf litter, roots, and overhanging vegetation soften the light. The water there is gentle in flow, low in dissolved minerals, and slightly acidic. That matters in the aquarium, because blackwater fish usually show their best colour and calmest behaviour when the keeper recreates those conditions rather than placing them in bright, hard, alkaline water.
This is not a pond species. Despite searches for tropical fish outdoor pond uk or tropical fish pond uk options, Redline Rasboras need warm, stable indoor conditions like other wild tropical fish uk imports and captive-bred blackwater species. They are not among the best hard water tropical fish uk, so if your tap water is very hard it is worth checking your parameters before purchase. Keepers who read best online tropical fish store uk reviews tend to look for sellers that list exact pH, hardness, and acclimation advice for sensitive species like this, because proper matching makes a major difference to long-term success.
In nature they feed on tiny invertebrates, insect larvae, and organic matter suspended in the water column. Their slim body and midwater swimming style are well suited to weaving through submerged branches and plant stems, which is why they adapt so well to a planted aquarium at home. Many hobbyists looking for the best online tropical fish uk, reliable best tropical fish delivery uk, or the best tropical fish shop uk choose this species specifically for natural aquascapes with driftwood and dimmed lighting.
For beginners, it helps to picture the Redline Rasbora as a fish from shaded, soft-water woodland streams rather than an all-purpose community fish that can go into any mixed setup. It can be one of the best tropical fish for beginners uk, but only when the tank is mature and water quality is consistent. If you have been comparing stock from the best tropical fish shop in uk, this is a species worth choosing when you want a peaceful shoal with authentic Southeast Asian character.
Mimicking the natural habitat with dark substrate, wood, floating cover, and gentle filtration often improves red stripe intensity, reduces skittishness, and encourages tighter schooling. Fish that feel exposed in bright, bare tanks usually look washed out and nervous.
A thoughtful setup is the key to long-term success with this species. The recommended redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum tank size starts at 80 litres, which is also the practical redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum minimum tank size for a proper group. A few juveniles may physically fit in less, but this species is active and social and is noticeably more confident in a longer aquarium with open swimming space. If you are asking what is a good size fish tank for a beginner, an 80-100 litre tank is a much better starting point than a nano aquarium because it gives more stable water and enough room for a school.
The best redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum aquarium setup uses a tank at least 75-90 cm long. A group of 8 is the minimum, but 10-14 individuals creates more natural schooling and spreads any minor hierarchy behaviour. If you are using an aquarium fish calculator uk to plan stocking, remember that body shape, activity level, and social needs matter just as much as simple centimetres-per-litre rules. A long tank with open swimming lanes suits this fish far better than a tall, narrow one.
For the redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum temperature, aim for 23-27°C. This sits comfortably within the usual tropical fish tank temperature uk range, and in tropical fish tank temperature uk celsius terms a steady reading around 25°C is ideal. The redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum water temperature should stay stable rather than swinging day to day, and like most tropical fish water temperature uk targets, consistency matters more than chasing an exact figure.
pH should be kept between 5.5 and 7.0, with hardness around 2-12 dGH. Soft, slightly acidic water is ideal. They can adapt to neutral water if acclimated carefully, but very hard or alkaline conditions often reduce colour and may shorten lifespan. This is where buying from a specialist aquarium fish shop uk matters more than buying from random private listings, because consistent husbandry before sale improves how well the fish adapt.
One common question is can tropical fish live without a filter. In a proper home aquarium, the answer for Redline Rasboras is no. A related question is how long can tropical fish live without a filter; the honest answer is that oxygen, biological stability, and waste processing quickly become problems. Use a mature internal filter, hang-on-back filter, or gentle external filter that provides steady biological filtration without blasting the fish around the tank. Moderate flow is best — they enjoy clean water, but not a river-tank current.
For larger community setups, pair them with reliable filtration and stable heating. If you are also browsing bigger species such as Gold Giant Gourami or Polypterus Endlicherii, keep in mind those fish need very different tank sizes and are not suitable tank mates here. The Redline Rasbora is for peaceful, medium-sized community aquariums, not predator or jumbo fish systems.
The ideal redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum tank setup uses a dark sand or fine gravel substrate. Darker colours help the red stripe stand out and reduce stress. Add driftwood branches, leaf-litter botanicals if desired, and dense planting around the sides and back. A redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum in planted tank display often looks spectacular because the fish contrast beautifully against green stems and shaded wood.
Use live plants such as Cryptocoryne, Java fern, Limnophila, or floating species to break up sightlines. Otocinclus and small tetras share this style of tank well, so a species like Golden Oto Otocinclus Affinis Golden Dwarf can occupy the lower levels while Redline Rasboras hold the middle. The sensible order is to choose and cycle the tank fully first, and only then order the fish.
Moderate lighting works best. Very bright light without floating cover can make the fish nervous. Aim for 6-8 hours daily if the tank is newly planted, increasing as plant growth stabilises. The most important factor is maturity: this species should not be added to a fresh setup. If you are arranging aquarium fish delivery uk or ordering aquarium fish online uk, make sure the tank has completed a full nitrogen cycle first.
Cycle the tank for 4-6 weeks before adding Redline Rasboras. In immature aquariums they often survive the first few days, then decline from invisible ammonia or nitrite stress. A mature filter and stable temperature matter far more than buying the fish quickly.
The redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum diet is omnivorous. In the wild they pick at tiny insects, micro-crustaceans, and organic particles drifting in the water. In captivity they do best on a varied menu of quality flakes, micro pellets, and small frozen foods. The principle behind any good redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum feeding guide is simple: small foods, varied texture, and no overfeeding.
A fine flake or small pellet should form the daily base diet. When comparing the best tropical fish food uk, established ranges work well — for example, King British tropical fish flake and King British mini pellets are both suitable staples provided the particle size is small enough for rasboras to take comfortably. The key is choosing a balanced food designed for small tropical community fish rather than oversized cichlid pellets.
For best colour and condition, supplement with frozen daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp, and finely chopped bloodworm. Many keepers also use live tropical fish food uk such as live daphnia or baby brine shrimp for conditioning before breeding. These foods bring out stronger feeding responses and help maintain body mass in active shoals.
Customers often ask how often should you feed tropical fish, should you feed tropical fish every day, and how many times a week do you feed tropical fish. For Redline Rasboras, feed once or twice daily in portions they finish within 30-60 seconds. Small, regular meals are better than one large dump of food. If you travel, an automatic tropical fish feeder uk can be useful for dry food, but test it before relying on it.
Another common question is how long can small tropical fish go without food. Healthy adult Redline Rasboras can usually manage several days without issue, but regular fasting should not replace proper feeding. For holidays longer than 3-4 days, use a trusted feeder or a tested automatic unit.
| Time | Food | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Fine flake or mini pellet | Small pinch, fully eaten in under 1 minute |
| Evening | Frozen daphnia, cyclops, or baby brine shrimp | Very small portion, no leftovers |
Do not buy this species expecting it to solve algae or snail problems. Searches like algae eating tropical fish uk and snail eating tropical fish uk describe very different fish. Redline Rasboras are midwater omnivores, not specialist cleaners. If you want algae support, combine them with a suitable species such as Golden Oto Otocinclus Affinis Golden Dwarf in a compatible tank.
Overfeeding causes ammonia spikes, cloudy water, and digestive stress. Because Redline Rasboras are eager midwater feeders, it is easy to add too much food. Feed lightly, watch them eat, and remove any leftovers.
The Redline Rasbora (Rasbora pauciperforata) has a sleek, laterally compressed body built for active midwater swimming. Adults reach around 7 cm, making them larger and more elongated than many nano shoaling fish. The body colour is usually bronze to coppery brown with a clean red to reddish-orange line running horizontally from behind the gill area towards the tail. In the right light the stripe appears almost glowing against the softer body tone.
This is one reason the species appeals to aquarists looking for colourful tropical fish uk without wanting an overly bright or artificial-looking aquarium. The beauty is subtle and classy rather than bold, and it shows best when the fish are kept over dark substrate with wood and planting. If you are searching to buy redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum UK, find redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum for sale UK, or source live redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum UK, look for individuals with a straight body line, full finnage, clear eyes, and an unbroken stripe.
Redline Rasbora Trigonopoma males are often slimmer and slightly more intensely coloured, especially when settled and in breeding condition. On the question of redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum male vs female, females tend to look deeper-bodied and rounder through the abdomen. There are no widely established ornamental colour morphs in the trade, which is part of the species' appeal: what you see is the natural form. If you are checking the redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum price UK or looking for redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum online UK, remember that health, size, and conditioning matter more than finding the lowest possible price.
Fish held in dim, tannin-rich planted aquariums usually show the best tone and confidence, which is exactly how our stock is conditioned before sale.
The redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum compatible fish list is broad as long as you stay with peaceful species of similar temperament. This is one of the best rasbora for community tank setups because it is active, visible, and not prone to bullying. Its temperament is peaceful rather than timid, so it usually settles well once kept in the right group size. If you are asking what tropical fish should i get for a planted community aquarium, Redline Rasboras are an excellent answer when you want movement in the middle levels.
Good redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum tank mates include other peaceful schooling fish, small gouramis, dwarf bottom dwellers, and algae grazers that enjoy similar water. Suitable companions from our range include Albino Sky Blue Guppy, Red Black Guppy, Glass Bloodfin Tetras - Prionobrama, and Golden Oto Otocinclus Affinis Golden Dwarf. Guppies prefer harder water than Redline Rasboras, so they are a cautious match only in neutral, adaptable community conditions. Glass Bloodfin Tetras are often a more natural fit in larger, peaceful shoals.
When considering redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum with other fish, focus on species that will not outcompete them for food or intimidate them with size. This fish belongs in community tropical fish uk aquariums, not mixed predator tanks.
If you are wondering what tropical fish are aggressive, think large cichlids, territorial barbs, predatory catfish, and oversized oddballs. Avoid combining Redline Rasboras with fish such as Piaractus Brachypomus - Red-Bellied Pacu -, Red-Bellied Pacu - Piaractus Brachypomus, Gold Giant Gourami, or Polypterus Endlicherii. These are either too large, too boisterous, or outright predatory for a peaceful rasbora community.
In an 80-100 litre tank, a good plan is 10 Redline Rasboras with a small group of peaceful bottom dwellers. In a 120 litre planted tank, you could keep 12-14 Redline Rasboras with Otocinclus and one additional calm shoaling species. If you are asking what size fish should i get, choose tank mates under roughly the same scale and temperament. It is also worth considering how many redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum in a tank: more is usually better within reason, because a larger shoal creates more confidence and less skittish behaviour.
Small shrimp fry may be eaten, but adult shrimp are often left alone in heavily planted aquariums. Snails are generally safe. This species is not among the snail eating tropical fish uk options and should not be bought for pest control.
| Species | Compatible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Oto Otocinclus Affinis Golden Dwarf | ✅ Yes | Peaceful algae grazer for planted soft-water tanks |
| Glass Bloodfin Tetras - Prionobrama | ✅ Yes | Works in larger calm community aquariums with open swimming space |
| Albino Sky Blue Guppy | ⚠️ Caution | Possible only in neutral water; guppies prefer harder conditions |
| Gold Giant Gourami | ❌ Avoid | Too large and unsuitable for a peaceful rasbora setup |
| Polypterus Endlicherii | ❌ Avoid | Predatory and likely to eat smaller schooling fish |
Always quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks before adding them to a community aquarium. Even peaceful fish can introduce parasites or bacterial issues that spread quickly through a shoal.
Redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum breeding is considered moderate rather than difficult, but it is easier in a dedicated setup than in a busy display tank. For hobbyists interested in tropical fish breeders uk projects, or learning from other uk tropical fish breeders and the wider range of tropical fish breeds uk work, this species is a rewarding step beyond beginner livebearers.
The key to redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum male vs female identification is body shape. Males are usually slimmer and may show stronger stripe colour. Females are fuller-bodied, especially when carrying eggs. Well-conditioned fish in soft, warm water show the clearest differences.
Use a separate 40-60 litre breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water, subdued lighting, and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. A sponge filter is ideal because it protects eggs and fry. Condition the adults with a rich redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum diet of frozen and live foods before pairing or group spawning.
Spawning is usually triggered by excellent water quality, regular feeding, and often a small water change with slightly cooler soft water. The fish scatter eggs among plants rather than guarding them. Adults may eat eggs if left in the tank, so remove the parents after spawning if possible. This is one reason the species is less commonly bred than the livebearers offered by many aquarium fish wholesale uk outlets.
Eggs typically hatch within about 24-36 hours depending on temperature, and fry become free-swimming a few days later. Start with infusoria or commercial fry food, then move to baby brine shrimp as they grow. Keep the tank very clean but avoid strong water movement. Frequent tiny water changes are safer than large disruptive ones.
If you are comparing the redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum or ember tetra choice, the Ember Tetra is often considered easier to breed in captivity. In the redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum vs neon tetra comparison, Neons are more familiar to most hobbyists, but Redlines offer a more unusual project for those wanting something less common among the best tropical fish uk. They are not large tropical fish uk, but they are substantial enough to make a visible breeding project in a medium-sized planted tank.
For better fry survival, dim the breeding tank with floating plants and remove the adults immediately after egg scattering. Many losses happen not because the eggs are infertile, but because adults or strong filtration consume the spawn before the keeper notices.
Choosing between similar shoaling fish matters because size, water chemistry, and visual impact can be quite different. Buyers often compare this species with ember tetras, neon tetras, and other rasboras when deciding what to add to a planted community. If you want a tropical fish uk freshwater species that is peaceful but not overfamiliar, the Redline Rasbora is an excellent middle ground.
| Feature | Redline Rasbora | Ember Tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Max Size | 7 cm | 2 cm |
| Care Level | Easy to moderate | Easy |
| Temperature | 23-27°C | 24-28°C |
| Best For | Medium planted community tanks | Nano and small peaceful aquariums |
| Feature | Redline Rasbora | Neon Tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Long and streamlined | Shorter and deeper |
| Water Preference | Soft, slightly acidic | Soft to moderately soft |
| Look | Bronze body with red line | Blue and red iridescent stripe |
| Schooling Effect | Graceful, coordinated | Bright, flashing shoal |
| Best For | Natural Southeast Asian aquascapes | Classic community tanks |
Choose Redline Rasboras if you want a larger, more elegant shoal than ember tetras and a more unusual fish than neons. They suit aquarists searching for rare tropical fish uk, natural blackwater styling, and a species with visible movement in the middle of the tank. If your aquarium is very small, embers may be easier. If you want a classic beginner fish, neons remain popular. But if your goal is a planted display with subtle sophistication, Redline Rasboras are often the better choice.
Good redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum health starts with stable water, proper group size, and stress reduction. Healthy fish swim in a coordinated shoal, hold their fins open, feed eagerly, and show a clear red stripe with warm body tone. Fish that hide constantly, clamp fins, gasp, or lose colour are telling you something is wrong with the environment.
The most common redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum diseases in captivity are not species-specific genetic issues but standard aquarium illnesses linked to stress: ich, bacterial infections, fin damage from poor water quality, and wasting from internal parasites. Because they come from softer, cleaner waters, they can be sensitive to rough acclimation and unstable chemistry. Newly imported or recently shipped fish may also be vulnerable to opportunistic infections if moved into immature tanks.
Prevention is always easier than treatment. Use a mature filter, avoid sudden temperature swings, and maintain weekly water changes. If disease appears, move affected fish to a hospital tank where possible and identify the issue before medicating. Buyers comparing the best tropical fish tanks uk, or looking to buy tropical fish online uk, should remember that healthy livestock and proper quarantine matter more than chasing cheap tropical fish uk. A low purchase price means little if the fish arrive weak or unsuitable for your water.
Never medicate a display tank casually. Many treatments harm biological filtration, and copper-based medications are dangerous in mixed aquariums that contain shrimp or snails. Diagnose first, then treat accurately.
Redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum behaviour is one of the species' biggest strengths. They are active but not frantic, peaceful but not invisible, and social without being troublesome. In the right group size they occupy the middle water layer, turning together through open swimming lanes and darting back into plants when startled. This makes them ideal for aquarists who enjoy natural schooling behaviour rather than individual show fish.
This species is definitely not solitary. If you want to know how to care for redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum, start with the social requirement: keep them in a proper shoal. Small groups often become nervous, pale, and less visible. In larger groups they settle faster and display more natural confidence. That is why many keepers consider them suitable as a redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum for beginners choice only when the tank is large enough for a real school.
They are especially attractive in a redline rasbora trigonopoma pauciperforatum in planted tank layout with broken lines of sight and gentle current. Males may spar lightly or intensify in colour during feeding and breeding condition, but true aggression is uncommon. For aquarists building a calm, natural display, their behaviour is every bit as appealing as their colour.
When ordering tropical fish for sale, the difference between a fish that merely survives and one that settles beautifully often comes down to preparation before dispatch. Our Redline Rasboras are selected for straight body shape, strong schooling response, clear eyes, and full feeding behaviour before they are listed as ready to ship. Because this species can be sensitive to abrupt changes, we pay close attention to temperature stability and pre-shipment conditioning.
For customers searching live fish for sale uk, wanting to buy aquarium fish online uk, or simply looking for the best place to buy tropical fish online uk, careful packing matters. Fish are bagged professionally, insulated for transit, and packed with heat support in colder weather when needed. This helps maintain the stable conditions that blackwater-origin fish appreciate, and we provide acclimation guidance so buyers know exactly how to introduce them to a mature aquarium.
We are also realistic about suitability. Redline Rasboras are not novelty fish for oversized predator tanks — they are a carefully chosen species for planted community aquariums where their behaviour and colour can be appreciated properly. Order your Redline Rasboras today with confidence if you want a healthy, active shoal for a mature soft-water setup.
Build a balanced community around your Redline Rasboras with a few carefully chosen companions. Golden Oto Otocinclus Affinis Golden Dwarf adds gentle algae grazing to planted tanks without disturbing a peaceful shoal. Glass Bloodfin Tetras - Prionobrama are a strong option if you want a second active schooling species in a larger aquarium. For colour contrast, Albino Sky Blue Guppy or Red Black Guppy can work in carefully balanced neutral-water communities. If you are also browsing larger statement fish, compare their very different care needs before mixing by viewing Gold Giant Gourami and Polypterus Endlicherii. For more options across the category, explore our wider tropical fish UK collection.
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