Domino Neolebias
Domino Neolebias
Domino Neolebias (Neolebias powelli) is a West African fish that is not actually a rasbora at all — it belongs to the family Distichodontidae, a family of African characiform fish more closely related to Congo Tetras than to Asian rasboras. The 'domino' name perfectly describes the bold black-and-white spotted pattern on the body, and this small fish is genuinely remarkable for its vivid graphic patterning and the unusual behavioral characteristic of males, which are territorial and tend to live in small harems rather than true schools.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets 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 to rivers and streams of West and Central Africa — the Congo basin and surrounding West African drainages. The Neolebias genus belongs to the family Distichodontidae, the same family as Distichodus, making this fish taxonomically far removed from the Asian rasboras it is often displayed with. The genus was described by Steindachner in 1894.
Males are territorial and establish small territories with 2–3 females — more similar in social behavior to dwarf cichlids than schooling tetras. Keep one male with multiple females; multiple males will compete. Compatible with small, peaceful community fish that will not outcompete them for food.
A genuinely unusual and rarely kept fish — the domino patterning is striking and the West African provenance and unusual family placement make it a conversation piece. Works well in an African biotope setup alongside Congo Tetras and similar species.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Males territorial — not a true schooling fish |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 1 male + 2–3 females |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen Daphnia |
| Origin | West and Central Africa — Congo basin and surrounding West African drainages |
| Notes | NOT a rasbora — family Distichodontidae (same as Distichodus), not Asian danionids. Bold black-and-white domino spots. Males territorial — form harems. Suits African biotope alongside Congo Tetras. Genus described by Steindachner 1894. |
