Rasbora Brittani (Kottelatia brittani)
| Rasbora Brittani Kottelatia brittani | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Rasbora Brittani |
| Name Lat. | Kottelatia brittani |
| Family | Danios |
| Family lat. | Danionidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Forest streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Swarm |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5 cm |
| Temperature | 20-26 °C |
| Hardness | 1-8 °dH |
| Aquarium | 60 cm / 54 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2" |
| Temperature | 68-79 °F |
| Hardness | 18-142 ppm |
| Aquarium | 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Brittans Rasbora is Sumatra (Indonesia) and the south of the Malay Peninsula. They live in the clear water of shady, slow-flowing forest streams and weedy pools.
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, worms and other zooplankton. The food supply consists of live food, such as daphnia, cyclops, artemia, mysis and mosquito larvae, which are also well accepted frozen, plus commercially available frozen special food mixtures, supplemented with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food (granules, flakes, micropellets).
A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance. Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
They are lively and peaceful schooling fish that can be socialized well with other small, peaceful fish. At least 5, but preferably much more Brittans Rasbora should be kept together.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The slimmer male has an almost straight abdominal line, which is more rounded in the female.
Reproduction and breeding
They are frail spawners and spawn predators. The female spawns between fine-feathered plants (Java moss) near the bottom. The larvae hatch after 18-28 hours and swim freely after 1-2 days.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, dust food). In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
The Brittans Rasbora is clearly distinguished from the other Rasbora species by the precaudal spot framed in orange above and below.
The well-being of the fish should be checked 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: Sylvia Hos; 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