Slender Rasbora (Rasbora daniconius)
| Slender Rasbora Rasbora daniconius | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Slender Rasbora |
| Name Lat. | Rasbora daniconius |
| Family | Danios |
| Family lat. | Danionidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Streams, ponds |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group, school |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 4-6 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10-15 cm |
| Temperature | 24-26 °C |
| Hardness | 2-12 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 300 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4"-6" |
| Temperature | 75-79 °F |
| Hardness | 36-214 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 80 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The slender danios have a wide range, extending from southern India and Sri Lanka through the Malay Peninsula and Myanmar to Thailand. There they live in slow flowing and stagnant waters with dense underwater vegetation.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with hiding and retreat possibilities (roots) and offer much free swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) 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 nature they feed mainly on insects and insect larvae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. 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, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen)
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are lively and very peaceful schooling fish that are well suited for a community tank with other peaceful fish. A group of at least 8-10 individuals, but preferably more, should always be kept together. In a too small group they remain shy and colorless.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males are slimmer and smaller with a yellowish or reddish colored belly. The stronger and rounder appearing females have a whitish belly.
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners. The female spawns between fine plants (Java moss) near the bottom. The larvae hatch after 36-48 hours and swim freely after about 3 days. The parents do not engage in 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
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances and naturally lowers the pH.
Soft water is not tolerated well and makes them susceptible to disease. The addition of sea salt (mineral salt) from the pet store to harden the water prevents.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH value, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the pollutant load has 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: petdata
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