Pearly Rasbora (Rasboroides vaterifloris)
| Pearly Rasbora Rasboroides vaterifloris | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Pearly Rasbora |
| Name Lat. | Rasboroides vaterifloris |
| Family | Danios |
| Family lat. | Danionidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Sri Lanka |
| Habitat | Forest streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group, school |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4 cm |
| Temperature | 23-27 °C |
| Hardness | 5-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6" |
| Temperature | 73-81 °F |
| Hardness | 89-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The pearl danios occur exclusively (endemically) in the south and southwest of Sri Lanka, in the catchment area of the rivers Kalu, Bentota, Gin and Nilwala. There they live in the clear, shallow water of forest streams with partly dense plant growth and fallen leaves.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with hiding and retreat possibilities (roots) and offer sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), subdued light (floating plants) and soft, slightly acidic water is ideal.
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 mainly on insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high quality dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). In addition, they need some vegetable food, such as algae leaves, algae wafers or dry food with high vegetable content.
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
They are lively and very peaceful schooling fish that are well suited for a community tank with other small and peaceful fish. A group of at least 6-10 individuals should always be maintained. In too small groups they remain rather colorless and shy.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males are slimmer, smaller and more intensely colored than the more rounded appearing females.
Reproduction and breeding
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 3-5 days. The parents do not perform brood care and should be separated from the fry after spawning, as they are spawn predators.
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
According to where they are found, their body color varies from red or orange to bluish, with red, orange or yellow fins.
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: Werner Winter; Image: Merz Zierfischgroßhandel
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