Close relatives of the Barbs, Rasboras are often less heavier and more cylindrical in terms of body shape, and some more resemble tetras in look and behavior. Often swimming in tighter more uniform schools than barbs, they are often grouped with Tetras for retail, giving false perception, but they are nevertheless Cyprinids like Barbs and Danios.

Rasboras like tetras are a beautiful addition to any planted aquarium with many species staying small and exhibit a very peaceful demeanor. Even the larger species are relatively peaceful and there are a great number of species established in the aquarium trade today. Some species can be readily bred in the home aquarium as well, in ideal water conditions mimicking those found in their natural habitat.

Amongst some of the most beautiful community fish in the trade some of the most notable and established species being the Harlequins, Dwarf rasbora, Scissortail, Elegant, Vibrant, and Red tail rasbora. Another closely related species though not a Rasbora, the White Cloud Mountian Minnow of China, which is actually a cool water species, makes for a superb, very hardy and peaceful addition to the planted aquaria.

Newer and ever more beautiful species are being introduced into the trade such as the redline rasbora, also known as torpedo barb or Redline shark, but have such small wild populations or have become threatened, and breeding is encouraged if kept.