Emerald Eye Rasbora (Brevibora exilis)

The Emerald Eye Rasbora is an uncommon and beautiful nano schooling fish from Borneo. Named for the distinctive iridescent emerald-green to blue shimmer around its eyes, this tiny Rasbora also develops subtle metallic colouration and warm orange highlights towards the tail.

Peaceful, active and small, Emerald Eye Rasboras are an excellent choice for planted, nano and peaceful community aquariums. They look particularly impressive when kept in a large school against lush green plants and a darker background.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Brevibora exilis

• Common Name: Emerald Eye Rasbora

• Origin: Borneo, Indonesia

• Adult Size: Approximately 2.5–3.5cm

• Diet: Omnivore / Micropredator

• Temperature: 20–25°C

• pH: 4.0–7.5

• Temperament: Very Peaceful

• Minimum Group Size: 8–10+ recommended

• Tank Level: Mid to Upper Water

• Sex: Unsexed

Overview

Emerald Eye Rasboras are small, slender schooling fish with a subtle beauty that really comes to life once they're settled into the aquarium.

Their most distinctive feature is the bright iridescent shimmer around the eye, which can appear emerald green or blue depending on the lighting and angle.

While attractive individually, they're at their best when kept in a large school. We recommend a group of at least 8–10, although larger groups will produce a much more impressive display and encourage confident, natural behaviour.

Behaviour & Compatibility

Emerald Eye Rasboras are very peaceful and are best kept with similarly small and gentle tankmates.

Suitable tankmates can include:

• Small Tetras

• Other peaceful Rasboras

• Pygmy Corys

• Small Corydoras

• Otocinclus

• Kuhli Loaches

• Other peaceful nano fish

• Adult dwarf shrimp

Adult dwarf shrimp can generally be kept alongside them, although very small shrimp fry may potentially be eaten.

Avoid large, aggressive or highly boisterous fish that may intimidate them, outcompete them for food or view these tiny Rasboras as prey.

Aquarium Setup

Emerald Eye Rasboras look fantastic in a densely planted aquarium with a darker substrate and background, which helps their iridescent colouration stand out.

Plants, driftwood, leaf litter and botanicals can be used to create plenty of cover, while floating plants provide shaded areas where the fish can feel secure.

Leave some open swimming space through the middle and upper sections of the aquarium for the school to move together.

Clean water, good filtration and stable water parameters are important for keeping them healthy and displaying their best colour.

Feeding

Emerald Eye Rasboras have very small mouths, so appropriately sized foods are important.

A varied diet can include:

• Quality micro pellets

• Fine or crushed flakes

• Baby brine shrimp

• Daphnia

• Microworms

• Finely chopped frozen foods

• Other appropriately sized live foods

Small live and frozen foods are particularly useful for encouraging excellent condition, stronger colouration and natural feeding behaviour.

Why We Love Them

Emerald Eye Rasboras are a fantastic choice for anyone wanting something unusual, peaceful and a little different for their planted aquarium.

Their tiny size, active schooling behaviour and beautiful emerald eye shimmer really stand out when a large group moves together through a planted tank.

For the best display, keep them in a group of at least 8–10 — although a larger school looks even better where space allows.

Product photos are for reference only. As these are live fish, exact size, colour and markings may vary between individuals.