Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus)
| Strawberry Rasbora Boraras naevus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Strawberry Rasbora |
| Name Lat. | Boraras naevus |
| Synonym | Boraras sp. 'Petch Noi' |
| Family | Danios |
| Family lat. | Danionidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Ponds, swamps |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Swarm |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 4-7 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 2 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 1-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 50 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 0.8" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The diamond dwarf danios are common in the Mae Nam Tapi river system in southern Thailand. There they live in slow-flowing, often weedy forest streams, ponds and floodplains with muddy bottoms, fallen leaves, roots and dead wood.
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 small live or frozen food, such as cyclops, daphnia, microworms, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc., or a commercially available frozen special food mix. High-quality, protein-rich dry food (granules, flakes, micropellets) for nano fish is also well accepted after acclimation, but should not be the main component of the diet. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms. Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
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, Sundadanio, Trigonostigma etc.. Always a group of at least 8 animals, but preferably 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 females, which appear rounder, especially at spawning time.
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
There are several differently colored populations in their large range.
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 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: petdata
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