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Rummy Nose Rasbora

Sawbwa Barb ~ Asian Rummynose ~ Naked Micro Rasbora Family: Cyprinidae

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Sawbwa resplendens Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken Childs

   Put a school of these fish in their own specimen tank, and the Rummy Nose Rasbora will bless you with nice coloration and a good disposition!

   Although the Rummy Nose Rasbora has developed surprisingly similar markings to the South American Rummy Nose Tetra, the two species developed separately into transcontinental look-alikes. This fish has no shortage of common names, being referred to as the Asian Rummynose, Sawbwa Barb, Naked Micro Rasbora, and Rummynose Rasbora. The numerous common names, including both the term barb and rasbora, are due to an ongoing debate over whether this fish fits into the Barb, Rasbora, or Danio category, or if they belong in their own group.

   By whatever name and group you choose, this is a great fish for color and temperament. They are very particular about their water, but they are otherwise hardy and easy enough to care for. Because of their sensitivity to water conditions, they are generally not a good beginner fish. They are peaceful so can be kept in a community environment, but they are a bit nervous. They actually do the best with a sexually balanced school of their own kind, and in their own specimen tank.

For more Information on keeping freshwater fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Distribution:
   The Asian Rummynose, Rummy Nose Rasbora or Sawbwa Barb was described by Annandale in 1918. They are found in a single lake, Inle lake, and its surrounding swampland in Myanmar/Burma, Asia. They live in large schools among thick vegetation in waters that are clear, peaty, or even foul.

Status:
   These fish are not listed as an endangered species.

Description:
   The Rummy Nose Rasbora is a streamlined fish. The coloration completely differs between the sexes. The males have a “nose” and tail tips which are orange-red, and their body tends toward a rather milky blue color. The females are silver with transparent fins. Especially small scales give both sexes their even looking coloration.

Size - Weight:
   This fish will reach just over 1 inch (2.5 cm) in the home aquarium.

Care and feeding:
   The Rummy Nose Rasbora is an omnivore and requires a healthy balance of foods. Since specimens are largely still from the wild or are a few generations past it, some aquarists find it difficult to get them to accept prepared foods. However, prepared foods are really the only practical way to provide balanced nutrition, so fish should be weaned off of an exclusive diet of live foods.
   Because of their sensitivity to water conditions, they are generally not a good beginner fish. Otherwise they are hardy and easy enough to care for. Some plantings of hardy broad leaved rosette plants, like Anubias or Sword Plants make them feel at home. Since they are so small, a school can be housed in as small an aquarium as five gallons, however, that little water is difficult to maintain. A larger tank, 10 or 20 gallons, will allow these fish to comfortably school and swim back and forth. These fish do best kept in groups of at least six or more. The tank should be carefully covered as these fish are liable to jump if startled or excited.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   The Rummy Nose Rasbora will inhabit all regions of the tank.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Being particular about their water, Rummy Nose Rasboras require a little extra care. These fish are not very accepting of different water parameters. The heater and thermostat of the aquarium needs to be dependable because these fish have a small range of tolerable temperatures.
   Temp: 71 - 75° F (22 - 24° C)
   pH: 7.0 - 7.8
   Hardness: 12 - 17° dH

Social Behaviors:
   The Rummy Nose Rasbora needs a large school of six or more individuals to feel comfortable. Mixing the sexes makes the males flush darker. Keep in mind that too many males in too close quarters have a tendency to fight. A species tank suits this fish. Rummy Nose rasboras are slightly nervous fish, so if you choose to mix species, take care that they aren’t scared into hiding. As a species, they generally won’t be a source of trouble in the aquarium other than occasional squabbles between males.

Sexual Differences:
   The males have a red “nose”, red tips on their fins, and are milky and light blue. Females are usually smaller, and are glassier and silver in coloration..

Breeding/Reproduction:
   A consensus has yet to be reached on the most reliable home breeding process. What is known is that water conditions must be exactly within the above parameters. Females seem to be only willing to breed at certain times. Some suggest that a period of cool temperatures in February helps. Temperatures in their native lake dip down to about 57 - 64° F (15 - 18°C) around that time, so this seems to encourage spawning. These fish have been reported to leave eggs on leaf undersides and in spawning mops. Also, eggs and fry should be protected from their parents and other fish.

Availability:
  The Rummy Nose Rasbora has yet to really make it on the international fish market, so they are available in a few cities but not everywhere. Females tend to be more difficult to come by. The cost can range from $1.50 - $10.00 USD.

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Author: "Yvonne"
Additional Information: Clarice Brough, CFFS.