rasbora

Harlequin rasboraHarlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha).
Rasbora
RasboraJuvenile rasbora of the species Rasbora argyrotaenia.

rasbora, (genus Rasbora), any of a group of about 45 species of schooling freshwater tropical fishes in the carp family, Cyprinidae. Most species are found in Southeast Asia, but a few are native to Africa. The fishes are active, generally slender, and have a protruding lower jaw. Several species are kept as pets, one of the most popular being the harlequin fish, or rasbora (R. heteromorpha), a reddish fish 4–5 cm (1.5–2 inches) long with a wedge-shaped black spot on each side.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Richard Pallardy.
Citation Information
Article Title: rasbora
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 14 January 2018
Access Date: February 22, 2025