Description
Sawbwa Rasbora (Sawba resplendens)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Sawbwa resplendens
Common Names: Sawbwa Rasbora, Emerald Rasbora, Burmese Rasbora
Family: Cyprinidae (Rasboras)
Order: Cypriniformes
Origin: Southeast Asia — rivers and streams of Myanmar (Burma)
Size: Up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in captivity
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Tank Zone: Mid-level dweller; peaceful schooling fish
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 50 – 150 ppm
pH: 6.0 – 7.0
Temperature: 22 – 26°C (72 – 79°F)
Hardness: 2 – 10 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Tiny, slender fish with iridescent emerald-green body, black dorsal spot, and transparent fins; males are slightly more colorful.
Behavior: Peaceful and shy; thrives in schools of 8 or more.
Swimming Style: Constant mid-level swimmer; stays close to the middle and upper levels of the tank.
Unique Feature: Extremely small size and brilliant coloration make it a rare and sought-after ornamental fish.
Nature: Gentle, social, and ideal for small community tanks with similarly sized peaceful species.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: Micro flakes, finely crushed pellets, live/frozen foods (daphnia, microworms, baby brine shrimp)
Feeding: 1–2 times daily in very small amounts
Tip: Ensure food is small enough for tiny mouths; feed in groups to reduce competition
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 L) for a small school
Filtration: Gentle filtration; well-oxygenated water
Decor: Planted aquarium with floating plants, open swimming areas, and fine substrate
Lighting: Low to moderate; reduces stress
Water Change: 20–25% weekly for clean, stable water
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: 8 or more (shoaling species)
Tank Mates: Other tiny, peaceful fish — ember tetras, pygmy rasboras, micro rasboras
Avoid: Larger or aggressive fish
✅ Do’s
Keep in larger groups to encourage natural shoaling behavior
Provide densely planted areas and floating plants for hiding
Maintain stable water conditions
Offer micro-sized diet for optimal health and color
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep alone — will become stressed
Don’t house with larger, aggressive fish
Don’t neglect water changes or water quality
⭐ Quick Tips
The Sawbwa Rasbora is a tiny, peaceful, and brilliantly colored schooling fish, perfect for nano and community aquariums.
Best kept in groups of 8 or more, it displays natural shoaling behavior and adds emerald brilliance to planted tanks.
Ideal for aquarists seeking rare, delicate, and visually striking miniature freshwater fish.
