Rummynose Rasbora
Rummynose Rasbora
Rummynose Rasbora (Sawbwa resplendens), also known as the Asian Rummynose or Naked Microrasbora, is one of the most elegant small fish in the freshwater hobby. Males are breathtaking — a translucent to silver body with a vivid red head and contrasting white to pale blue iridescent tail tips that flash as the school turns. Resplendens means 'resplendent' or 'gleaming' in Latin — a name that is fully earned. Endemic to Lake Inlé in Shan State, Myanmar — found nowhere else on Earth.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed or soaked briefly) and Sera Vipan Baby make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen Daphnia. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Native exclusively to Lake Inlé and its immediate drainage — a shallow, heavily vegetated highland lake at 2,900 feet elevation in Shan State, Myanmar. This is a unique ecosystem with clear, moderately hard, slightly alkaline water — quite different from most small rasboras. Lake Inlé is famous not only for its extraordinary fish fauna but for the leg-rowing fishermen who navigate it standing on one leg in dugout canoes. The Rummynose Rasbora is one of the most iconic inhabitants of this remarkable lake.
Keep in groups of at least 10 — the combination of red head and white tail tips flashing simultaneously in a large school is one of the most striking displays in the nano fish hobby. Compatible with other small peaceful community species that prefer similar moderately hard, slightly alkaline conditions.
Unlike most small rasboras, the Rummynose Rasbora prefers moderately hard, slightly alkaline water rather than soft and acidic — reflecting its highland lake origin. This makes it compatible with hard-water community setups where most nano rasboras would struggle.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — active schooling community |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 10 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 68–77°F (20–25°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 8–18 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 3–10 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed/soaked); Sera Vipan Baby |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen Daphnia |
| Origin | Lake Inlé, Shan State, Myanmar — endemic (found nowhere else) |
| Notes | Resplendens = 'resplendent/gleaming'. Endemic to Lake Inlé only. Prefers moderately hard slightly alkaline water — opposite of most nano rasboras. Highland lake at 2,900 feet elevation. Red head + white tail tips. Compatible with hard-water community setups. |
