By Wasif Mallick

Black Neon Tetra




Introduction


This tetra is olive-green on the dorsal surface and silvery on the belly.There is an iridescent ,pale green-blue line along the flanks, from the top of the eye to the caudal peduncle. Below this, a dark area gradually pales towards the lower part of the body.Fins are  mostly colorless, and an adipose fin is present.Females gradually have deeper bodies and increase in girth at spawning times.





Common Name


Black Tetra, Neon Tetra


Species


Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi


Habitat 


Streams and rivers in the Mato Grosso region of Brazil.


Maximum Size


About  1.75"(4.5cm).


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring at least 18" x 12" x 12" (45cm x 30cm x 30cm) - 42 litres.


Diet 


Easy to feed. It will readily accept just about anything offered.They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.In the aquarium it proves unfussy. Feed a mixture of dried flakes and granules along with small live and frozen foods.


Water Temperature


72-82°F (22-28°C)


pH


5.5-7.5.


Hardness


2-10°H


Remark


Soft, acid water will bring out this fish color.


Flame Tetra





Introduction


The body shape of this fish is typical of the tetra group,with a high profile tapering evenly to the caudal peduncle.Coloration is pinkish brown with silver.On perfect specimens , two dark bars appear behind the gill cover and extend down to the belly; the lower rear of the body has more red.Pelvic, anal and caudal fins are also red edged with black , and the dorsal fin may be sooty with white streaks.A terminal mouth is situated at the tip of the snout and an adipose fin is present.The female is less red and increases girth when spawning.




Common Name


Red Tetra , Tetra of Rio, Flame Tetra , Von Rio Tetra


Species


Hyphessobrycon Flammeus


Habitat 


Streams and rivers around Rio de Janeiro.


Maximum Size


About  1.75"(4.5cm).


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring at least 18" x 12" x 12" (45cm x 30cm x 30cm) - 42 litres.


Diet 


Easy to feed. It will readily accept just about anything offered.They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.In the aquarium it proves unfussy. Feed a mixture of dried flakes and granules along with small live and frozen foods.


Water Temperature


72-82°F (22-28°C)


pH


5.5-7.5.


Hardness


2-10°H


Remark


Hyphessobrycon griemi is similar, but lacks the red coloration, and has more white in its fin.

Bleeding Heart Tetra





Introduction


The body of the Bleeding Heart Tetra is high and deeps.The general color is pinkish silver, and a notable feature is the pink-red spot on the flank below the dorsal fin.Males have large sickle-shaped dorsal fins; those of females are shorter and rounded.Both males and females have long-based anal fins, but those on the males are slightly concave.

Common Name


Spotfin Tetra , Bleeding Heart Tetra , Hyphessobrycon rubrostigma.


Species


Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma


Habitat 


Streams and rivers in Colombia.


Maximum Size


About  3"(7.5cm).


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring at least 36" x 15" x 12" (90cm x 37.7cm x 30cm) - 106 litres.


Diet 


Easy to feed. It will readily accept just about anything offered.They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.In the aquarium it proves unfussy. Feed a mixture of dried flakes and granules along with small live and frozen foods


Water Temperature


73-82°F (23-28°C).


pH


5.5-7.2.


Hardness


2-12°H


Remark


This peaceful species is apt to dart around when startled and appreciates plenty of swimming space.Captive breeding is uncommon.The lesser Bleeding Heart Tetra , a similar-looking species has more rounded and less exaggerated finnage.
                                           

Yellow Tetra




Introduction


The Yellow Tetra's uniformly proportioned body is typical of the genus.Adults have a lemon-gold sheen and two marks just behind the gill cover.The first mark is wedge shaped and accentuated by a golden iridescence; the other is longer, thinner , and less distinct.Occasionally, there is more gold in the dorsal area due to chemical deposits beneath the skin which reflect the light.All fins area yellowish , sometimes with a tinge of red at the base.Males have slightly concave anal fins.





Common Name


Yellow Tetra, Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus.


Species


Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus.


Habitat 


Streams, lakes and rivers around Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.


Maximum Size


About 2"(5cm).


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring at least 24" x 15" x 12" (60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm) - 70 litre tank .


Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.In the aquarium it proves unfussy. Feed a mixture of dried flakes and granules along with small live and frozen foods.Feeds chiefly on small invertebrates in nature.


Water Temperature


68-77°F (20-25°C).


pH


5.5-7.5.


Hardness


5-20°H


Remark


Yellow Tetra do well in a tank of  small tetras and rasboras.They are fin-nippers.



Rummy Nose Tetra




Introduction


The distinguishing feature of this slim bodied tetra is the striking red head; the caudal fin is also patterned.The red area is confined to the head in the Rummy-nose Tetra but may extend as streak on to the body in the similar False Rummy-nose (Petitella georgiae).The caudal fin is marked ( faintly on this juvenile) by three horizontal black bars, and the lobe tips are colorless.A thin black, often indistinct lines runs forward from the base of the caudal fin toward the base of the dorsal fin.






Common Name


Red-nose tetra, Firehead tetra, True rummbynose Tetra, False Rummynost Tetra, Brilliant Rummynose Tetra


Species


Hemigrammus rhodostomus.



Habitat 


Lower stretches of the Amazon River.


Maximum Size


About 2"(5cm).


Minimum Tank Size 


A small group of these can be kept in a standard 24" x 15" x 12" (60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm) - 70 litre tank.


Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.Feed a mixture of dried flakes and granules and small live and frozen foods. A varied diet such as this is essential for the best colour development.


Water Temperature


76-80°F (24-27°C).


pH


5.5-7.0. Its colours will become faded if kept in alkaline conditions.


Hardness


2-15°H


Remark


It is sensitive to water changes.



Pretty Tetra




Introduction


The body of the Pretty Tetra is deep when compared with the other members of this family.On mature specimens, the back and head are dark gray-green color shading through to a purple copper and down to a silver lower half.As with other silvery species , iridescences are seen according to lighting conditions.The scales are dark edged, and the eye is red above and pale bluish green below.The top of the caudal peduncle is marked with a gold line, beneath which a dark patch extends forward, terminating near the dorsal fin.




Common Name


Black wedge tetra ,Garnet tetra,Pretty Tetra.


Species


Hemigrammus pulcher



Habitat 


Peruvian section of the Amazon River.


Maximum Size


About 2"(5cm).


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring at least 24" x 15" x 12" (60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm) - 70 litre tank.


Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition. A small net bag filled with aquarium-safe peat can be added to the filter to aid in the simulation of black water conditions. Use fairly dim lighting.


Water Temperature


74-80°F (23-27°C).


pH


5.0 - 7.0


Hardness


1-12°H


Remark


This popular fish will breed in captivity but may be reluctant to spawn unless full compatibility between the sexes is achieved.The female should be swollen with eggs before introducing her to the male.Use a heavily planted , 24 in (60cm) tank for breeding.





Beacon Fish




Introduction


The deep body outline of the Beacon Fish follow the general tetra pattern.The identifying features of this silvery gray fish are the bright red top of the eye and the gold spot behind the adipose fin, above a dark blotch at the base of the caudal fin.






Common Name


Beacon Fish, Head and Tail-light Fish


Species


Hemigrammus ocellifer.


Habitat 


Rivers in Amazon region and Guyana.


Maximum Size


About 2"(5cm).


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring at least 60 cm (24 inches)  with at least 20 litre (5 gallons).


Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature


24 – 28° C (75 – 82.5° F).


pH


6.0 - 8.0


Hardness


5-12 dH


Remark


These small fish prefer a well-planted aquarium and soft acid water for breeding.They will eat there eggs.




Glowlight Tetra




Introduction


The upper and lower halves of the peach-colored yet translucent Glowlight Tetra are divided by a glowing red-gold line.It starts on the snout and ends of the caudal fin.



Common Name


Glowlight tetra, Glo-light tetra, Glo light, Glolight


Species


Hemigrammus erythrozonus.


Habitat 


Rivers in Guyana.


Maximum Size


About 2"(5cm).


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring at least 60 cm (24 inches)  with at least 20 litre (5 gallons).


Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature


24 – 28° C (75 – 82.5° F).


pH


6.0 - 8.0


Hardness


5-12 dH


Remark



These small fish prefer a well-planted aquarium and soft acid water for breeding.They will eat there eggs.


Buenos Aires Tetra





Introduction


A thin horizontal thin line begins behind the gill cover of this slim fish and tapers until it obscured by a dark line, ending in the center of the caudal fin.Males color intensify during spawning.







Common Name


Buenos Aires Tetra.


Species


Hemmigrammus Caudovittatus.


Habitat 


Plate river basin of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.


Maximum Size


About 3"/7.5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring at least 36" x 15" x 12" (90cm x 37.5cm x 30cm) - 100 litres.


Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.For the best condition and colours, offer regular meals of small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp, along with dried flakes and granules.


Water Temperature


64-82°F (18-28°C)


pH


6.0 - 8.0


Hardness


5- 20°H


Remark



It may eat soft-leaved plants.



Silvertip Tetra



Introduction


The tetra's basic color of golden brown varies from pale silver in females to a deep copper in males.This fish has transparent yellowish fins tipped with white.Females are plumper, especially when spawning.




Common Name


Hasemania melanura, Hemigrammus nanus, Silvertip Tetra


Species


Hasemania nana


Habitat 


Small rivers in San Francisco River region of Brazil.


Maximum Size


About 2"/5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A standard 24" x 15" x 12" (60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm) - 70 litre tank.


Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.For the best condition and colours, offer regular meals of small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp, along with dried flakes and granules.


Water Temperature


74-82°F (23-28°C)


pH


6.0 - 8.0


Hardness


  5- 20°H



Black Widow






Introduction


The Black Widow's oval body is marked by three dark vertical bars; through the eye , just behind the gill cover, and at the base of the dorsal fin.Sex is generally distinguished by the more pointed dorsal fin and broader fronted anal fins on males, and by the plumper bodies of females.






Common Name


Black Tetra, Black Skirt,Black Widow


Species


Gymnocorymbus ternetzi


Habitat 


Among tall plants in rivers in the Mato Grosso area, South America.


Maximum Size


About 2"/5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A standard 24" x 15" x 12" (60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm) - 70 litre tank.


Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.


Water Temperature


68-78°F (20-26°C)


pH


6.0 - 7.0


Hardness


  5- 20°H


Remark 


This is an ideal starter fish.A long-finned cultivated variety is shown here.




Hasselt's Bony Lipped Barb




Introduction


The scales of this juvenile are dotted with a reddish brown mark, giving a stripped appearance , with a dark spot occurs on the caudal peduncle.Adult fish are plain gray-green. The mouth has lips fringed with pimpy growths, and the lower jaw forms a scraper for algae.All fins contain yellow and red.




Common Name 



Hasselt's Bony Lipped Barb, Terbul.


Species



Osteocheilus hasselti.



Habitat 


Streams and rivers of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Sunda Island


Maximum Size


About 12"/30cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


70-100 gallons minimum.


Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.


Water Temperature


22 - 28°C


pH


6.0 - 7.5


Hardness


  4- 15°H


Remark 


This fish is very active when young ,but like the Black Shark it grows large quickly and requires a great deal of space.



Black Shark

Introduction


The coloring on this mature Black Shark is gray-black: on adults it is deep velvety black.The juvenile has scales with red or gold centers, giving a speckled appearance .The species has a large ,triangular dorsal fin resembling that of a true shark




Common Name 


Black Shark, Genus labeo.


Species


Luciosoma setigerum


Habitat 


Various waters in Borneo , Java ,Sumatra,  Thailand, Cambodia.


Maximum Size


About 20"/50cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


70-100 gallons minimum.


Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.


Water Temperature


22 - 28°C


pH


6.0 - 7.5


Hardness


  4- 15°H


Remark 


This peaceful species relishes supplemental green foods.




Apollo Shark



Introduction


Like the Maroon Shark, this fish features silvery flanks with a greenish tinge above the lateral lines and large scales.A black line runs from the head to the caudal peduncle, where it continues along the top edge of the large, deeply forked caudal fin.The bottom of the caudal fin is rays , and pectoral fins reach back to the pelvic fins.




Common Name 



Silver Apollo Shark, Apollo Shark, Silver Shark.


Species


Luciosoma setigerum




Habitat 


Streams and rivers in Borneo , Java ,Sumatra; also  Thailand.


Maximum Size


About 10"/25cm.


Minimum Tank Size 



A tank measuring 6' x 2' x 2'/180cm x 60cm x 60cm/540 litres should be the minimum size considered.



Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.


Water Temperature  


75 - 81°F/24 - 27°C


pH


6.0 - 7.5


Hardness



  4- 15°H


Remark 


A large ,covered aquarium is required.




Maroon Shark

Introduction



The silvery brown flanks of this species have a greenish yellow tinge above the lateral line.Juveniles have a black band running from the head to tail that fades with the age.Pelvic and anal fins carry red, and the red caudal fin has black tips.The dorsal fin is relatively uncolored.





Common Name 



Sultan Fish, Ikan Jelawat, Mad Barb


Species


Leptobarbus hoevenii


Habitat 


Rivers in Borneo and Sumatra; also Laos and Thailand.


Maximum Size


About 20"/50cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


At least 125 gallons.



Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.


Water Temperature  


72 - 78°F/22 - 26°C


pH


6.0- 8.0.


Hardness


5 - 15°H


Remark 


A roomy tank is needed for this large fish.


Ruby Shark

Introduction



The Ruby Shark has a slim gray body and dark-edged scales.A dark stripe runs from the snout to the center of the eye,and there is a dark patch at the rear of the caudal peduncle.The forked caudal fin carries red coloring, and the down-turned mouth carries two pairs of barbels.Males are slimmer with a black streak anal fin.




Common Name 


Ruby Shark,Green Fringe-lipped Shark

Species


Labeo frenatus


Habitat 


Stream throughout Thailand .


Maximum Size


About 6"/15cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank smaller than 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres.


Diet 


Crossocheilus Oblongus is mainly herbivorous.A good quality dried product(s) with added Spirulina or similar is ideal but plenty of fresh vegetable matter should also be included in the diet. Shelled peas, blanched courgette, spinach and chopped fruit all make good additions to the menu. Once settled into the aquarium the fish sometimes ascend into midwater to feed and in a rivertank-style set-up as described above will often be seen browsing the biofilm that tends to form on the rockwork.


Water Temperature  


72 - 78°F/22 - 26°C


pH


6.5- 8.0.


Hardness


5 - 15°H


Remark 


These fishes have down-turned fringe-lipped mouths. Flowerpots make ideal hiding places for them.

Red Finned Shark

Introduction



In the wild, the body of this ''shark'' is pale-brown, with a small dark patch at the end of the caudal peduncle and bright red fins.Many commercial , aquarium-bred , strains on general sale, however, shows the characteristics of albinism.They have a pale body  and red eyes.



Common Name 


Albino Rainbow Shark, Albino Red Finned Shark, Albino Ruby Shark


Species


Labeo erythrurus.


Habitat 


Stream in Thailand .


Maximum Size


About 6"/15cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank smaller than 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres.


Diet 


Crossocheilus Oblongus is mainly herbivorous.A good quality dried product(s) with added Spirulina or similar is ideal but plenty of fresh vegetable matter should also be included in the diet. Shelled peas, blanched courgette, spinach and chopped fruit all make good additions to the menu. Once settled into the aquarium the fish sometimes ascend into midwater to feed and in a rivertank-style set-up as described above will often be seen browsing the biofilm that tends to form on the rockwork.


Water Temperature  


72 - 78°F/22 - 26°C


pH


6.5- 8.0.


Hardness


5 - 15°H


Remark 


These fishes have down-turned fringe-lipped mouths. Flowerpots make ideal hiding places for them.


Red Tailed Black Shark

Introduction



The flattened ventral contour, the underslung mouth, and the high, triangular dorsal fin give this fish its distinctive shark-like shape. It also has the habit of patrolling the aquarium. The body is jet black, while the tail is red, Pectoral fins may be yellow-orange.






Common Name 


Redtail Shark, Labeo bicolor, Red Tailed Black Shark.


Species


Labeo bicolor.


Habitat 


Stream in Thailand .


Maximum Size


About 6"/15cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank smaller than 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres.


Diet 


Crossocheilus Oblongus is mainly herbivorous.A good quality dried product(s) with added Spirulina or similar is ideal but plenty of fresh vegetable matter should also be included in the diet. Shelled peas, blanched courgette, spinach and chopped fruit all make good additions to the menu. Once settled into the aquarium the fish sometimes ascend into midwater to feed and in a rivertank-style set-up as described above will often be seen browsing the biofilm that tends to form on the rockwork.


Water Temperature  


72 - 78°F/22 - 26°C


pH


6.5- 8.0.


Hardness


5 - 15°H


Remark 

It is quarrelsome with its own kind and others if there are no hiding places.



Siamese Flying Fox

Introduction

The body is torpedo shape and divided into distinct color sections.The top is brown-green and is separated by a pale yellow hand from the thick dark band which runs the length of the body.The ventral surface is silvery yellow.All fins carry trace of yellow, and the dorsal fin has black base.The down-turned is used to browse upon algae-covered rocks , but live foods are also eagerly taken.




Common Name 


Siamese algae eater, Siamese flying fox, Flying fox, Siamese fox, Lady's Fingernail Fish


Species


Epalzeorhynchus siamensis.


Habitat 


Stream in Thailand and Malaysia.


Maximum Size


About 5.5"/14cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


About 90cm with 150L.


Diet 

Crossocheilus Oblongus is mainly herbivorous.A good quality dried product(s) with added Spirulina or similar is ideal but plenty of fresh vegetable matter should also be included in the diet. Shelled peas, blanched courgette, spinach and chopped fruit all make good additions to the menu. Once settled into the aquarium the fish sometimes ascend into midwater to feed and in a rivertank-style set-up as described above will often be seen browsing the biofilm that tends to form on the rockwork.


Water Temperature  


65- 79°F/18 - 26°C


pH


6.5- 7.5.



Hardness


5 - 15°H


Remark 

The Siamese Flying Fox fish forages on tank-botton algae.It is generally peacefull , but intolerant of its own species.



Crossocheilus Oblongus

Introduction

The body is torpedo shape and divided into distinct color sections.The top is brown-green and is separated by a pale yellow hand from the thick dark band which runs the length of the body.The ventral surface is silvery yellow.All fins carry trace of yellow, and the dorsal fin has black base.The down-turned is used to browse upon algae-covered rocks , but live foods are also eagerly taken.




Common Name 



Crossocheilus Oblongus

Species

Crossocheilus Oblongus


Habitat 


Running rivers of Sumatra, Java and Malaysia; also Borneo and Thailand.


Maximum Size


About 6.25"/16cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A group needs a tank measuring at least 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres.


Diet 

Crossocheilus Oblongus is mainly herbivorous.A good quality dried product(s) with added Spirulina or similar is ideal but plenty of fresh vegetable matter should also be included in the diet. Shelled peas, blanched courgette, spinach and chopped fruit all make good additions to the menu. Once settled into the aquarium the fish sometimes ascend into midwater to feed and in a rivertank-style set-up as described above will often be seen browsing the biofilm that tends to form on the rockwork.


Water Temperature  


72 - 79°F/22 - 26°C


pH


6.5- 7.5.



Hardness


5 - 15°H


Remark 

This species has not yet been bred in aquarium, but males develop head tubercles when in breeding condition.It is easily confused with the flying fox which has more intense colors.



Copper-nosed Minnow

Introduction


The Copper-nosed Minnow  is slender and long with a greenish brown dorsal surface.The flanks are silvery blue, and the belly is silver.About a dozen blue indistinct , thin blue bars cross the body vertically. Triangular dorsal and anal fins are set well back, and pelvic fins are positioned almost halfway back.


Common Name


Copper-nosed Minnow, Opsaridium.


Species


Barilius christyi


Habitat 


Streams in tropical west Africa.


Maximum Size


About 5"/12.5cm.


Minimum Tank Size



30 gallons or larger.


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  



71 to 79°F (22 – 26°C) p


pH


6.5- 7.0.


Hardness 




5.0 to 10.0 dH


Remark 



This fast-swimming , schooling fish needs a large aquarium and enjoys live foods and floating insects.



Silver Shark





Introduction


 

The coloration of this shark is metallic silver with gleaming , well-defined scales.The triangular dorsal fin is held erect and , like the anal ,caudal , and pelvic fins, is edged with a thick black margin.







Common Name


Silver Shark, Bala Shark



Species




Balantiocheilos melanopterus


Habitat 


Streams in Borneo, Sumatra and Thailand.


Maximum Size


About 12"/30cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring 6ftx2ft x2ft with minimum 700 litres.


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  



72ºF to 84ºF (22-29°C)


pH


5.8 - 7.8.


Hardness




5.0 to 15.0 dH


Remark 

The active Silver shark is capable of jumping out of an uncovered aquarium.


Fire Rasbora

Introduction


The body shape of this species is much deeper than majority of the rasboras, tapering rapidly behind the dorsal fin to a narrow caudal peduncle.Body color may be fiery orange , pink or blue but fins are always pinkish red.It has the same shape as Harlequin Rasbora but lacks the dark triangle flank marking.




Common Name



Fire rasbora, Pearly rasbora, Vateria flower rasbora, Fire barb


Species


Rasbora vaterifloris


Habitat 


Mountain streams in Sri Lanka.


Maximum Size


About 1.6"/4cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/70.8 litres is big enough to house a group.


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  



77 - 84°F/25 - 29°C


pH


5.0 - 7.0.


Hardness


2 - 8°H


Remark 


A gray strain called the Pearly Rasbora is available.




Scissortail Rasbora

Introduction


The caudal fin of the Scissortail is deeply forked and on prime specimens it is marked with bold black and white areas ; other fins are colorless.Body is grayish green with a shiny, silvery belly.Sexual difference include larger girth of male and  the more intense colors of breeding males.  



Common Name



Spot-tail Rasbora, Scissortail ,Rasbora trilineata,Three lined Rasbora, Black Scissor Tail


Species


Rasbora trilineata.


Habitat 


Streams and rivers in Borneo ,Sumatra; also Malaysia.


Maximum Size


About 3.5"/8cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring at least 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres.


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  



72°F - 79°F (22°C - 26°C)


pH


5.0 - 8.0.


Hardness


2 - 12°H


Remark 


This fish twitches its caudal fin in a characteristic scissor action when at rest.



Red Striped Rasbora


Introduction


The dorsal surface of this greeny brown fish shades to silver below a striking red line.This red line runs from the snout, over the eye, and to the rear edge of the caudal peduncle.It is emphasized by a narrow blue-black line below it.Males have a flat ventral surface and the female is more rounded.The sac containing the internal organs is visible.


Common Name


Red-Striped Rasbora, Rasbora pauciperforata.


Species


Rasbora pauciperforata.


Habitat 


Streams and rivers in Sumatra and Malaysia


Maximum Size


About 2.2"/5.5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


About 15 gallons.


Diet 


It is omnivorous.They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  


75 - 82.4°F/24 - 28°C


pH


6.8-7.0.


Remark 


These active fish appreciates a well planted aquarium with space for schooling.Spawning is possible after natural pairing.



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