Asian Rummynose Barb

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 1"
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons   • Water Conditions: 68-76°&bsp;F, pH 6.8-7.8, KH 12-20
• Diet: Omnivore   • Origin: Myanmar, Southeast Asia   • Family: Cyprinidae
• Species: Barbs   • Aquarium Type: Community

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The Asian Rummynose (Sawbwa resplendens) originates from the Inle Lake region of Myanmar, where they are found both in the lake itself and surrounding slow-moving steams. They are a schooling species that utilize large schools of individuals to help protect themselves from other larger fish species that would seem them as food. They also inhabit heavily vegetated areas where they can use the dense vegetation to help protect them from predators.

Despite its common name, the Asian Rummynose has no scientific relationship to the South American Rummynose Tetra or True Rummynose Tetra. In fact the Asian Rummynose is a Cyprinidae species that is more closely related to Barbs than Tetra or Rasbora.

It is highly recommended that hobbyists keep this species in groups of at least 6 individuals, with 10 or more being even more beneficial. The reason for this is that the species has developed as a school based species and depends on a group of individuals in order to feel secure and to be able to socialize properly. Socialization occurs between males and females and in-between males competing for female attention. Hobbyists who keep smaller groups of Asian Rummynose will want to keep more females than males in order to avoid aggression issues, while hobbyists with large schools (20 or more) should not run into any socialization issues.

A proper aquarium setup for housing Asian Rummynose should have plenty of vegetation, areas in the aquarium that are shaded or dimly lit and low to moderate water flow. The aquarium should ideally be planted with plenty of ground cover and mid-level plants and driftwood, which will provide the Asian Rummynose with hiding places that will allow them to feel secure and comfortable.

Floating plants and plants that grow to the surface and then cover the surface are ideal for filtering strong aquarium lighting and create areas within the tank that are more dimly lit. While Asian Rummynose appreciate dense vegetation, they are also a shoaling species that will require adequate room for a large group of individuals to swim about in. Aquariums with both areas of thick vegetation and open areas are ideal.

Since Asian Rummynose only reach an adult size of approximately 1 inch in length, they should only be housed with smaller, peaceful community species that will not bully them or see them as a food source.

As an omnivore, their diet in the wild consists of both animal and plant material including small insects, larvae, small crustaceans and zooplankton. Asian Rummynose adjust quickly to commercial aquarium foods and will readily accept a wide range of foods. They should be fed a variety of foods in order to provide them with a wide range of nutrients and minerals to help maintain a strong immune system.

Ideal commercial foods include crushed flake foods, daphnia, brine shrimp, blood worms, cyclop-eeze and other similar items. They will also consume small bits of algae from rock or plant surfaces; however, this is only a very small portion of their overall diet. Feed daily 2 to 3 times per day a small amount of food that they will consume within a couple of minutes.