Care
The Red Cherry Rasbora is known from the Mahakam drainage in Kalimantan Timur, Borneo, Indonesia, where it may be found in clear, shallow forest streams over a sandy/muddy substrate and with marginal vegetation. This fish is a peaceful midwater shoaling species that should be maintained in groups of 6 or more. A mature, heavily planted tank would be ideal to showcase this species, as their colours intensify when settled into a well planted environment. Dark substrate and background choices, along with some spindly driftwood will also help them to settle in. Tankmates should be of similar size and temperament and enjoy the same soft, acidic conditions.
R. lacrimula is distinguished from all other species of the genus by the possession of a line of very small tubercles that form a granulated 'crest' along the dorsal surface posterior to the dorsal fin, which continue along onto the upper edge of the caudal fin, in addition to a colour pattern consisting of a faint midlateral stripe ending in a longitudinally orientated teardrop-shaped blotch. May also be seen on sale as Borneo Redfin Rasbora.
Feeding
Flake, small sinking pellets/granules, and small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, cyclops, and daphnia.
Breeding
This is an egg-scattering species that spawns on a continual basis, in much the same manner as many of the 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 at the higher end of the preferred range, and a gentle air driven sponge filter placed on the tank. Lighting is not necessary. A well-conditioned pair should be carefully acclimatised 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 should hatch within 24-48 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.
