Axelrod's Rasbora (Sundadanio axelrodi)
| Axelrod's Rasbora Sundadanio axelrodi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Axelrod's Rasbora |
| Name Lat. | Sundadanio axelrodi |
| Synonym | Rasbora axelrodi |
| Family | Tiny Danios |
| Family lat. | Sundadanionidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Sumatra, Borneo |
| Habitat | Forest streams, ponds |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Swarm |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 2 cm |
| Temperature | 23-26 °C |
| Hardness | 2-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 0.8" |
| Temperature | 73-79 °F |
| Hardness | 36-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Axelrods Rasbora originate from the Greater Sunda Islands of Borneo and Sumatra. There they live in the brown, soft water of weedy ponds and forest streams with partly dense plant growth, fallen leaves and twigs
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with hiding and retreat possibilities (roots, stones) and offer sufficient swimming space. In soft, slightly acidic water, subdued light (floating plants) and a dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) they show the most beautiful coloration
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In nature they feed on insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms, and zooplankton. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food for nano fish. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, moina, daphnia, artemia and plankton (live or frozen)
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day, which are eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
These very peaceful and shy schooling fish are not suitable for a community tank due to their small size. Ideal is the keeping in a species tank or together with other small fish species, like Microdevario, Boraras, Trigonostigma etc.. Always a group of at least 10 animals, but better much more should be kept together
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements to the water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males are slimmer, smaller and more intensely colored than the more round-bellied females.
Reproduction and breeding
There are only a few reports of successful breeding known. Prerequisite is a well run-in aquarium with dense planting and a bottom covered with foliage. The pH value of the water must be well below 6.0. They are free spawners and spawn predators. The female spawns among fine-feathered plants (java moss) near the bottom. The larvae hatch after 18-48 hours and swim freely after 1-2 days.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, microworms, dust food). In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey
Important
There are different colored site variants depending on the origin
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) not only provides cover, it enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and, when rotting, promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF