Twospot rasbora facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Twospot rasbora |
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The twospot rasbora (scientific name: Rasbora elegans) is a cool type of fish. It's a ray-finned fish, which means its fins are supported by bony rays. This fish lives naturally in Southeast Asia. It belongs to a group of fish called Rasbora and is part of the Sumatrana family.
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Where Does the Twospot Rasbora Live?
The twospot rasbora is originally from Southeast Asia. You can find it in places like Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. It also lives on some of the Greater Sunda Islands, but not Sulawesi or Java.
Twospot Rasbora in Malaysia
In Peninsular Malaysia, this fish is mostly found in the states of Johor and Pahang. However, people have also seen it in Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Kelantan.
Twospot Rasbora in Singapore
It's a very common fish in Singapore. You might even spot it outside the main water areas of the island.
Twospot Rasbora in Indonesia
On the big island of Sumatra, the only official record of this fish is from a small island called Nias. But it probably lives on the main island of Sumatra too.
In Borneo, it has only been confirmed in East Kalimantan. It also lives in parts of the lower Kapuas River area in West Kalimantan. We don't know if it lives in Malaysian Borneo, Brunei Darussalam, or northern Kalimantan, Indonesia.
What Does the Twospot Rasbora Look Like?
This fish is easy to tell apart from other fish in its group. It doesn't have a dark stripe along its side, which many other similar fish do.
Instead, it has two special spots. One is a rectangular spot found below its top fin and side line. The second spot is shaped like a triangle and is near its tail.
Spot Colors and Variations
These spots can be very dark black or look faded. The color often depends on where the fish lives and what its home looks like. Sometimes, a small mark can also be seen above its bottom fin.
Similar Fish Species
Two other fish, R. bunguranensis and R. spilotaenia, were once thought to be types of R. elegans. But now scientists know they are different species.
Where Does the Twospot Rasbora Live? (Habitat)
The twospot rasbora likes to live in clear streams and small rivers in forests. These places usually have sandy or rocky bottoms.
This fish spends most of its time near the water's surface. It looks for insects and other small creatures to eat there.
