Emerald Eye Rasbora (Brevibora dorsiocellata macrophthalma)

Emerald Eye Rasbora Brevibora dorsiocellata macrophthalma
Name	Emerald Eye Rasbora
Name Lat.	Brevibora dorsiocellata macrophthalma
Synonym	Rasbora macrophthalma
Family	Danios
Family lat.	Danionidae
Order	Carps
Order lat.	Cypriniformes
Origin	Southeast Asia
Habitat	Streams, ponds
Diet	Carnivore
pH	6.0-7.0
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Swarm
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	Moderately difficult
Life Span	3-4 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	2-3 cm
Temperature	22-25 °C
Hardness	5-15 °dH
Aquarium	60 cm / 54 l
US Units
Size	0.8"-1.2"
Temperature	72-77 °F
Hardness	89-267 ppm
Aquarium	15 gal

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the luminous eye danios is the Malay Peninsula and the southeast of Sumatra. There they live in the brown, soft water of weedy ponds and pools as well as in slow flowing streams with dense plant growth, fallen leaves and twigs.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with hiding and retreat possibilities (roots) 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 the wild they feed on insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms. The food supply consists of live food, such as daphnia, cyclops, artemia, mysis and red mosquito larvae, which are also easily accepted frozen, plus commercially available frozen special food mixtures, supplemented with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food (granules, flakes, pellets)

Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes). A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They are lively and very peaceful schooling fish, well suited for a community tank with other small and peaceful fish. A group of at least 8 animals should always be kept together, but preferably more.

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The males are slimmer, smaller and more intensely colored than the more round-bellied females.

Reproduction and breeding

They are free spawners and spawn predators. The female spawns between 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

The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) not only provides cover, it enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and, as it rots, promotes the development of microorganisms that provide 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: Werner Winter; Image: Ruinemans Aquarium B.V.

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF