Care
The Clown Rasbora is a medium-sized, peaceful, shoaling species that is ideal for spacious softwater aquaria. The tank should be mature with plenty of dark decor including tangles of driftwood and robust planting. Lighting should be fairly dim, but slightly brighter illumination is acceptable if there are plenty of floating plants or large, broad leaved plants to diffuse the light and create an abundance of shady areas. As these fish inhabit very acidic, tannin-stained softwater forest swamps in the wild, we would suggest using peat filtration on the aquarium to help create blackwater conditions. The aforementioned driftwood will also help in this respect, as would adding (and replacing when necessary) a handful of dried Indian almond leaves (Terminalia catappa)to the aquarium. Tannin-stained water also helps to bring out the beautiful red colors of these fish. At one time, it was widely believed that Clown Rasboras were not particularly sociable, but this is not the case if maintained correctly. Ideally, the tank will be at least 4ft long, as these are active fish, and the group should contain an absolute minimum of 12 specimens. Kept in more cramped conditions and in insufficient numbers, problems with aggression between males are far more likely to arise. A good-sized group also has the advantage of being more likely to contain a mix of sexes, which means that the males will frequently display to the females, and will exhibit their most dazzling colors. An aggression will also be spread out amongst the group, and not focussed on any one particular fish, especially if given adequate swimming space and visual barriers amongst the decor. Tankmates should be of similar size andtemperament; ideal companions could include some of the eel loaches (Pangio spp.), small peaceful barbs (suchas P. foerschi, P. pentazona, or P.rhomboocellatus), and Chocolate gouramis. Looking further afield, many of the medium sized South American tetras and Corydoras catfish also make excellent tankmates. Ensure that the tank has tightly fitting coverslides, as these fish are accomplished jumpers. This species is regarded as quite delicate and should never be added to a biologically immature aquarium; likewise, swings in water chemistry and high nitrates must be avoided. A very similar-looking, but less frequently traded species, Rasbora kottelati, may be mistaken for theClown Rasbora; however, it can be told apart from R. kalochroma as it has a dark crescent-shaped mark on the caudal peduncle (absent in R. kalochroma). Not recommended for beginners.
Feeding
Offer a variety of small meatyfoods including flake/crisps, micropellets, frozen bloodworm, white mosquito larvae,daphnia, Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp etc.
Breeding
The Clown Rasbora has been bred in the home aquarium. This is an egg-scattering species that spawns on a continual basis, in much the same manner as many of rainbowfish. In a densely planted aquarium, small numbers of fry may simply appear from time to time. However, if you wish to raise larger numbers, a separate spawning tank should be set up. Ideally, this will be shallow but long (and well-covered) with a layer of marbles as a substrate and numerous clumps of fine-leaved plants. The temperature should be set to 27-28 °C, and a gentle air-driven sponge filter placed on the tank. Lighting is not necessary. A well-conditioned pair should be carefully acclimatized to the breeding aquarium, and spawning can be triggered by performing a small, slightly cooler water change. Eggs will be scattered in batches amongst the plants and marbles, and most should fall to safety. Once spawning eventually appears to cease, the parent fish should be removed to avoid predation. The eggs are somewhat sensitive, but under good conditions hatch within 24-36 hours (temperature dependent). The fry should become free-swimming a further 24-48 hours later and can be fed on infusoria, Artemia nauplii and finely crushed egg-layer first foods.
