Patrick’s Rasbora (Rasbora patrickyapi) Patrick’s Rasbora is a rare and attractive blackwater rasbora from central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. It is a peaceful shoaling fish with a slim body, dark lateral stripe, subtle metallic sheen and reddish tones in the fins, especially in mature males. Although small and elegant, this is best treated as a specialist soft-water species rather than a basic beginner rasbora, as it comes from peat swamp and blackwater habitats where clean, stable, low-mineral water is important. Common Name:Patrick’s Rasbora. Also sometimes sold as Patrickyapi Rasbora. Scientific Name (Latin):Rasbora patrickyapi Maximum Size:Around 5–6 cm, with some references listing slightly larger adult sizes depending on measurement method and source population. Water Type:Freshwater Origin / Natural Habitat:Native to central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, where it is known from the Katingan and Kahayan river basins. In the wild it is associated with shallow, slow-flowing swampy areas close to blackwater streams, lowland peat swamps and heath forest habitats with peat and sandy substrates. Water Parameters:Temperature: 23–27°CpH Range: 4.5–6.8Hardness: soft water preferred, ideally low to moderate hardness Temperament:Peaceful and non-aggressive. It is best kept with other calm, small fish that enjoy similar soft, acidic water conditions. Avoid large, boisterous or aggressive tank mates that may intimidate it or outcompete it for food. Diet:Small carnivorous / micro-predatory feeder. It should be offered a varied diet of fine quality flake, micro pellets, crushed granules and small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp and mosquito larvae. Regular small foods will help maintain colour, condition and natural feeding behaviour. Minimum Tank Size:A practical recommendation is at least 80–120 litres for a proper group, with 120 litres preferred if keeping a larger shoal or mixing with other peaceful blackwater fish. Behaviour & Activity:Patrick’s Rasbora is a shoaling mid-to-upper water fish that should be kept in a group of at least 8, ideally 10 or more. It is usually peaceful, active and more confident when kept in numbers. In a suitable aquarium with subdued lighting, dark substrate, tannins and plant cover, it will show more natural behaviour and stronger colouration. Aquarium Category:Community FishThis species is peaceful enough for a specialist community aquarium, especially with small rasboras, peaceful tetras, dwarf cichlids, small Corydoras, gentle loaches and other calm soft-water fish. It is not ideal for hard-water community tanks, high-flow setups or aquariums with large, fast-feeding species. Special Requirements or Care Notes:Best kept in a mature, stable aquarium with soft, acidic water, gentle filtration, excellent water quality and low stress levels. A blackwater-style layout with botanicals, leaf litter, driftwood, floating plants and subdued lighting is ideal. Clean water is especially important, and sudden swings in pH, hardness or temperature should be avoided. This species is considered rare in the trade and is listed as Near Threatened, so it should be kept responsibly and ideally maintained in groups with long-term care in mind. Suitable for:Intermediate fishkeepers Availability:Rare / occasional in trade All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
