Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution: Rasbora elegans, commonly known as Elegant Rasbora, is an Asian freshwater species found in the Malay Peninsula, Singapore and the Greater Sunda Islands of Sumatra and Borneo. It has been seen in swift forest streams, areas with stones, sand and gravel, as well as sluggish backwaters full of dense vegetation.
PH: 5.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 22°C – 25C (72 – 77F)
Hardness: 2 – 12 dH
Description: Rasbora elegans can reach a maximum length of around 20 cm. This species lacks a dark stripe above the lateral line, making it distinguishable from other similar members of the genus. It has two spot markings on each flake; the intensity of these spots can vary on the fish’s locality. Females are generally stockier and larger than males. Rasbora elegans can live for up to six years.
Diet: This omnivorous species will accept most foods in an aquarium environment. You can feed it a staple diet of quality flake, supplemented twice a week with daphnia, bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Breeding: The Elegant Rasbora is an egg-scattering species that is best bred in a dimly lit tank. You should add Java moss, spawning mops or fine-leaved plants to your tank as spawning sites. It is a good idea to lower the water level to 7 – 8 inches when trying to breed this species. The adults exhibit no parental care and will eat the eggs if given the chance. Eggs will hatch within 24 – 48 hours and the fry can be fed Infusoria until large enough to receive crushed flake.
Comments: You can house a small group of Elegant Rasbora in a 255 litre tank. Your tank should have plenty of open swimming space and, if possible, resemble a river as closely as possible. The tank should be dimly lit and have several densely planted zones, driftwood branches and roots, a gravel substrate and some dried leaf litter in order to create a natural feel. Have a tight lid to prevent Rasbora elegans from jumping out of the tank. You should make plenty of water changes to keep this species happy; it requires spotless water conditions to thrive. The Elegant Rasbora requires a reasonable amount of care and is recommended to hobbyists with experience.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Rasbora elegans is a lively, gregarious species, best housed in groups of at least six. This fish displays its best colours when in the company of its own species. They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-24 20:12:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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