"black rasbora"

[modernhamlet]

There is a tank full of what are labelled as "Black Rasboras" at my LFS. When I asked the latin name, the guy pointed at the Harlequins above. I said "heteromorpha"? He said "Yes, I think so...".

(This fish store rates about a 7 out of 10, well above average, but not perfect by any means.)

So I came home and looked up "black rasbora" and, as expected, got the black color morph for Rasbora heteromorpha.

But here's where I'm lost. They don't really match. The pictures I'm finding on the web are basically Harlequins with dark edges or a triangle that's larger and blurred. These fish were black. Almost completely. From the pectoral fins back, they are a smoky/shimmering black. The head looks pretty much like the Harlequin, but a little darker. They are beautiful fish.

Is this just a very line bred color morph or a different fish?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Lateral Line]

Got a picture? I know the genus Rasbora very well, and don't know a naturally occuring fish that matches your decription, neither does the trusted Britten book.

 

[modernhamlet]

Good to know I'm not completely off my rocker!

It's not likely to be a good one, but I'll try to get a decent pic with my cellphone camera tonight.

Thanks, LL!

 

[modernhamlet]

Hope that helps... don't know if it will.

 

[jams.alaskan]

Wow MH, it does look just like you described. It's a pretty fish too, let us know if you find out more.

ALASKA

 

[modernhamlet]

Quick update. I purchased 3 of them today. They're now adjusting in the quarantine tank. I'm almost certain at this point they are a dark color morph of rasbora heteromorpha. I think they'll look good in a school with 4 normal harlequins.

 

[Lateral Line]

>>> dark color morph of rasbora heteromorpha

Yeah, they look kind of like that. Weird.