Rummy Nose Rasbora Care Guide: Sawbwa resplendens Red Nose

With a vivid red-orange snout and a shimmering silver body, Sawbwa resplendens — commonly known as the rummy nose rasbora — is one of the most striking nano fish available. This rummy nose rasbora care guide from Gensou Aquascaping at 5 Everton Park, Singapore, covers everything you need to keep these delicate Myanmar natives healthy and colourful. Though small at just 2-3 cm, they bring remarkable presence to any planted tank.

Origin and Background

Sawbwa resplendens is endemic to Inle Lake in Myanmar’s Shan State, where it inhabits shallow, clear waters among aquatic vegetation. Interestingly, this species is not a true rasbora at all — it belongs to an entirely different family and is the sole member of the genus Sawbwa. The common name “rummy nose rasbora” simply reflects its superficial resemblance to rummy nose tetras. Males display the characteristic bright red nose and tail tips, while females remain more subdued in colouration.

Tank Setup

A school of 10-12 individuals does well in a tank of 40 litres or more. These fish are surface-to-midwater swimmers, so prioritise horizontal swimming space over height. Dense planting along the back and sides with open areas in front creates a natural environment and encourages schooling behaviour. Fine-leaved plants like Rotala rotundifolia, Myriophyllum, and Java moss work beautifully. Use a gentle filter — a sponge filter or an adjustable hang-on-back turned to low flow is ideal, as strong currents stress these small fish.

Water Parameters

Here is where things get specific. S. resplendens prefers cooler, alkaline water — unusual for a Southeast Asian species. Aim for pH 7.0-8.0, GH 8-15, and a temperature of 20-25 °C. In Singapore’s warm climate, this means running a chiller or fan to keep temperatures below 26 °C, especially during afternoon peaks. The alkaline preference actually makes Singapore’s buffered tap water quite suitable once cooled, though you may need to add mineral salts if your GH sits below 6.

Feeding

Tiny mouths require tiny food. Crushed high-quality flake or micro-pellets work as a daily staple. Supplement with live or frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro-worms several times per week — these protein-rich treats bring out the males’ red colouration noticeably. Feed twice daily in small amounts that the school consumes within 60 seconds. Overfeeding fouls the water quickly in nano setups, and S. resplendens is sensitive to deteriorating conditions.

Behaviour and Schooling

Rummy nose rasboras are peaceful, sometimes timid fish that feel secure only in groups. Keeping fewer than eight often results in hiding and washed-out colour. In a well-planted tank with a proper school, they swim in loose formation through the midwater, males occasionally sparring with flared fins. Their movement is quick and darting rather than graceful, adding lively energy to an otherwise tranquil scape.

Compatible Tankmates

Choose tankmates carefully. Ideal companions include other small, peaceful species: Celestichthys margaritatus (celestial pearl danio), Boraras brigittae (chili rasbora), and small Corydoras like C. habrosus. Avoid anything that might outcompete them for food or nip their fins. Dwarf shrimp such as cherry shrimp coexist well, though very tiny shrimplets may occasionally be nibbled.

Breeding

Breeding S. resplendens in captivity is achievable but requires attention to conditions. Males display by intensifying their red colour and performing lateral flickers before a receptive female. Eggs are scattered among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. A typical spawn produces 20-40 eggs that hatch in about 72 hours. Remove adults after spawning, as they readily consume their own eggs. Fry are minuscule and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week before graduating to micro-worms.

Health and Common Issues

Loss of red colouration is the most reliable early warning sign of stress or poor water quality — much like the “redness barometer” seen in rummy nose tetras. Ammonia and nitrite must remain at zero; even brief spikes can prove fatal. Velvet disease (Piscinoodinium) occasionally affects this species, presenting as a fine gold dust on the skin. Treat with a copper-based medication at half dose, as Sawbwa is somewhat sensitive to standard concentrations. Purchasing from reputable sellers on Carousell or specialist shops helps ensure you start with healthy stock, something Gensou Aquascaping always advises.

Related Reading

• False Rummy Nose Tetra Care Guide: Easier Alternative to the Real Thing
• How to Breed Chili Rasboras: Micro Spawners in Soft Water
• Chili Rasbora vs Ember Tetra: Tiny Red Nano Fish Compared
• Ember Tetra vs Strawberry Rasbora: Tiny Red Fish Compared
• Emerald Dwarf Rasbora Care Guide: Shimmering Micro Jewel