Rummynose Rasbora

Rummynose Rasbora (Sawbwa resplendens)

Often referred to as the "Asian Rummynose," the Rummynose Rasbora is a stunning and unusual nano fish admired for its delicate appearance, peaceful nature, and beautiful schooling behaviour. With its slender silver body, vivid red-orange facial markings, and subtle shimmering scales, this species creates a spectacular display when kept in a group.

Elegant, active, and highly social, Rummynose Rasboras are a fantastic choice for planted aquariums. Their constant movement and tight schooling behaviour bring life and energy to an aquascape, especially when swimming through dense plants and open water areas.

🌿 Why Choose Rummynose Rasboras?
🌈 Striking red-orange nose and shimmering silver body
🐟 Incredible schooling behaviour in groups
🌱 Perfect for planted and aquascaped aquariums
✨ Small size but huge visual impact
🧘 Peaceful temperament ideal for community tanks
💧 Hardy and adaptable once settled

Rummynose Rasboras naturally inhabit clear, cool, mineral-rich streams and lakes in Myanmar, particularly around Lake Inle and surrounding waterways. They are accustomed to gentle water movement, planted environments, and living in large groups where their natural confidence and colours are most impressive.

📏 Care Requirements
🧬 Scientific Name: Sawbwa resplendens
📛 Common Name: Rummynose Rasbora / Asian Rummynose / Sawbwa Rasbora
🏠 Tank Size: 40L+ recommended
📏 Adult Size: Up to 3.5–4cm
🌡️ Temperature: 20–26°C
⚗️ pH Range: 6.5–8.0
🧘 Temperament: Peaceful
🍽️ Diet: High-quality nano pellets, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, mosquito larvae, and other small foods
👥 Group Size: 8+ recommended

Rummynose Rasboras thrive in mature aquariums with stable water conditions, gentle filtration, and plenty of plants. They appreciate open swimming areas combined with dense planting, mosses, floating plants, and darker backgrounds that help their colours stand out.

A well-maintained planted aquarium with driftwood, rocks, and natural hiding areas will encourage confident behaviour and bring out their best colours. Their red facial markings become especially vibrant when they are comfortable and kept in a proper-sized group.

🐠 Compatibility

Rummynose Rasboras are peaceful community fish and are ideal for calm tropical aquariums. Suitable tank mates include:

🐟 Small tetras
🐟 Corydoras
🐟 Dwarf gouramis
🐟 Small peaceful rasboras
🐟 Otocinclus catfish
🐟 Freshwater shrimp
🐟 Other peaceful nano fish

Avoid aggressive fish, fin-nippers, and large predators that may see them as food. Their small size makes them vulnerable to larger fish, so they should be housed with similarly peaceful species.

Important Notes

Rummynose Rasboras are an excellent choice for aquarists wanting a colourful schooling fish that does not require a large aquarium. Although hardy once established, they prefer stable water conditions and should be introduced to a mature aquarium rather than a newly set-up tank.

Unlike the similarly named Rummynose Tetra, this species is a true rasbora from Asia and has a more slender body shape. Males and females are easily distinguished, with males displaying brighter colouration and more elongated fins, while females are generally rounder-bodied.

Their vibrant red markings are a useful indicator of health and comfort. When stressed, their colours may fade, but in a peaceful, well-maintained aquarium they will display a beautiful contrast of silver bodies and vivid red faces.

The Rummynose Rasbora is a fantastic choice for UK aquarists looking for a small, peaceful, and visually striking schooling fish. With its unique appearance, active personality, and love of planted environments, it makes a beautiful addition to nano aquariums and larger community aquascapes alike.