Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution: Boraras maculatus, or Dwarf Rasbora, is a tiny cyprinid species distributed throughout the forest streams of Asia, from the Malay Peninsula through to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It has been seen in Singapore’s Nee Soon Swamp, and in parts of the Greater Sunda Islands.
PH: 5.0 – 6.0
Temperature: 24°C – 26°C (74 – 79F)
Hardness: 5 – 12 dH
Description: Boraras maculatus grow to a tiny 2.5 cm in length and can differ greatly in pattern depending on distribution. This species generally displays a red colouration, but some fish have a more intense colouration than others. Its fins are generally a deep red colour, but can be clear with a red outline or even red with a black lining. Males are slimmer than females and have a brighter, more intense colouration.
Diet: In the wild, the Dwarf Rasbora feeds upon small crustaceans and worms, but quality flake food will go down nicely in the tank environment. You can offer it live food – daphnia, grindal worms and brine shrimp – and it will be equally well received.
Breeding: Soft, acidic water conditions are ideal for breeding this species. The Dwarf Rasbora will lay its eggs on plants, but the parents have been known to feast upon these very eggs. Remove the adult pair once the eggs have hatched – this usually happens within two days after the initial spawning – and the tiny youngsters can be given microscopic food after their first day of life. You should wait at least 1 – 2 weeks before undertaking any water changes.
Comments: You should keep Boraras maculatus in a densely planted tank. This species will appreciate driftwood and branches, along with a soft substrate to simulate its natural environment. It should be housed in at least a 30 gallon tank and given some open areas to swim, even though it is a tiny species. This species requires a lot of attention and may not be suitable for newcomers to the hobby.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-05 11:28:54. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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