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Helfrich's rasbora (Rasborichthys helfrichii) — Cyprinidae

Helfrich's rasbora

Rasborichthys helfrichii
Family: Cyprinidae

The Helfrich's rasbora (Rasborichthys helfrichii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia

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Description

Helfrich's rasbora is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from slow-flowing and still fresh water of Sundaland in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, laterally compressed, silvery body with fine longitudinal lines and a slightly superior mouth. As a social schooling fish it swims in the upper layer of rivers and swamps and snaps at insects, larvae and small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Helfrich's rasbora?

The Helfrich's rasbora has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Helfrich's rasbora live?

The Helfrich's rasbora lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia

How big does the Helfrich's rasbora get?

The Helfrich's rasbora grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Helfrich's rasbora dangerous to humans?

No, the Helfrich's rasbora is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Helfrich's rasbora sourced
Scientific name
Rasborichthys helfrichii
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Cyprinidae

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