Brevibora dorsiocellata, commonly known as the Eyespot Rasbora or Ocellated Rasbora, is a small and visually appealing freshwater fish native to the forest streams and peat swamps of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Sumatra. This species belongs to the Cyprinidae family, renowned for its diverse and often brightly colored members that are favored in the aquarium hobby for their beauty and lively behavior. The Eyespot Rasbora is especially noted for its peaceful nature, manageable size, and the distinctive dark spot on the dorsal fin, which resembles an eye and serves as a defensive mechanism against predators.

Characterized by its slender body and translucent golden hue, the Eyespot Rasbora displays subtle iridescence that can catch the light beautifully, adding a dynamic visual element to any aquarium. The "eye spot" on the dorsal fin not only provides an interesting focal point but also adds to the fish's overall charm. Typically reaching a modest size, these rasboras are perfect for community tanks and nano aquariums alike, where they can be kept in schools to mimic their natural schooling behavior, providing a more authentic and visually striking display.

Creating an optimal environment for Brevibora dorsiocellata involves simulating the conditions of their natural habitat as closely as possible. This includes a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming areas to accommodate their schooling behavior and preference for exploring. Floating plants can provide additional cover and reduce stress, while a substrate of fine sand or smooth gravel allows for the inclusion of bottom-dwelling plants and mimics the soft, plant-debris-rich bottom of their natural environment. Gentle water flow and soft, slightly acidic water conditions best suit the preferences of the Eyespot Rasbora, promoting their health and well-being.

The diet of the Eyespot Rasbora is omnivorous, with a natural inclination towards small invertebrates and plant matter. In captivity, they should be provided with a varied diet that includes high-quality flake foods, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and micro worms. Offering a mix of dietary items not only ensures they receive all the necessary nutrients but also caters to their natural foraging behavior, encouraging natural habits and promoting vibrant health.

Breeding Brevibora dorsiocellata can be a rewarding experience, as they exhibit interesting spawning behaviors. They are egg scatterers, releasing their eggs among fine-leaved plants or in spawning mops. To encourage spawning, maintaining optimal water conditions and providing a nutritious diet are crucial. The fry are small and should be fed infusoria or commercially available fry foods until they are large enough to accept larger fare.

Caring for the Eyespot Rasbora involves regular maintenance routines to ensure the water quality remains high, with frequent water changes and effective filtration. Their peaceful nature and small size make them excellent candidates for community tanks, where they can be kept with other similarly sized and non-aggressive fish species. However, their specific dietary, environmental, and social needs should be carefully considered to ensure a harmonious and healthy aquarium.

In summary, Brevibora dorsiocellata, or the Eyespot Rasbora, offers aquarists the chance to keep a small, peaceful, and beautifully patterned species that adds both visual interest and activity to the freshwater aquarium. While their care requires attention to their dietary, environmental, and social needs, the rewards of keeping Eyespot Rasboras include the enjoyment of their striking appearance and the dynamic presence they bring to the aquatic setting, making them a favored choice for aquarists of all levels.