Care
The Sri Lankan Rainbow Rasbora is a beautiful medium-sized, active species known only from Wilpita in Sri Lanka. These fish live in a relatively shallow, slow-flowing softwater stream that is heavily shaded by the forest canopy above. As these rasboras can attain a modest size, and being fast-swimmers, they require a spacious aquarium " ideally 4ft long or larger. They should be kept in groups of at least 6 specimens due to their shoaling nature, larger groups making them feel much more secure. The aquarium itself should be mature and darkly furnished, including plenty of bogwood and aquatic vegetation, both rooted and floating to create shady areas. The water must be very soft and slightly acidic, well-filtered and oxygenated, but not with an overpowering current. This is a peaceful species, but due to its large adult size, should not be trusted with tiny fish or fry. Long-finned tankmates are also best avoided. Ensure that the aquarium has tight fitting coverslides, as these Rasboras are expert jumpers. Sri Lankan Rainbow Rasboras are known only from a single small stream in Wilpita, and unfortunately, this stream is under great threat due to deforestation (only about 700m of the stream is currently left more or less undisturbed) so this species is considered as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. In 2013, the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) in Sri Lanka put plans in place for the breeding of Rasbora wilpita in captivity for the aquatics trade, along with 8 other endemic fish species and several water plants.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, slow-sinking granules, frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp etc.
Breeding
There are no reports of this egg-scattering species having been bred in the home aquarium. It would make an excellent breeding project for the dedicated hobbyist.
