This Rasbora originates from the west coast of Sumatra. It attains a maximum length of about 5 cm. The "hot" name of the species is not only a reminder on the volcanos in the area, where R. vulcanus appears, but also due to the bright red-orange colors the males develop during mating. The females are lighter colored, but they also have an interesting breeding coloration: the anterior centers of the scales become black!

 

Rasbora vulcanus is a close relative to Rasbora reticulata. The latter is found exclusively on the island of Nias and does not appear on Sumatra. R. reticulata can be distinguished best from R. vulcanus by the presence of dark stripes on the outer edges of the caudal fin, which are always lacking in R. vulcanus.

 

For our customers: the fish have code 453113 on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer