By Wasif Mallick

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.



Spotted Rasbora

Introduction


The Spotted Rasbora is not uniform in shape as compared to Clown Rasbora (opposite); the caudal peduncle, in particular is longer and narrower. Similarity is found in the dark spots along the flanks.The fins of this species may be reddish, and the dorsal has black and pink front rays.The ventral profile of the male is flat.






Common Name


Dwarf Rasbora, Spotted Rasbora, Pygmy Rasbora.


Species


Rasbora maculata.


Habitat 


Streams and rivers in Sumatra, Malaysia and Singapore.


Maximum Size


About 1"/2.5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


Though small it still needs space to swim and dominant males will form temporary territories when spawning so a group is best kept in a tank measuring at least 18" x 10" x 10"/45cm x 25cm x 25cm/29.5 litres..


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 - 79°F/24 - 26°C


pH


4.5 - 6.5.


Hardness


1 - 5°H


Remark 


Small aquariums will suffice if tankmates are small.




Clown Rasbora

Introduction


Large blue-black blotches occur on this species between the rear port of the dorsal fin and the front of the anal fin ; a smaller spot appears midway between the dorsal fin and the rear edge of the gill cover.The pink-orange body is covered with violent iridescent scales, hence the alternative common name .There may be extra scattered spots on some specimens.





Common Name


Clown Rasbora, Iridescent Rasbora


Species


Rasbora kalachroma


Habitat 


Streams and rivers in Borneo and Sumatra.


Maximum Size


About 3.5"/9cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


An active species and a group will need 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  



73 - 82°F/23 - 28°C.


pH


5.0 - 7.5.


Hardness


2 - 12°H


Remark 


This fish is only occasionally available.It is best kept in neutral moderately head water, without salt.



Harlequin Rasbora

Introduction


The distinguishing mark of the Harlequin Rasbora is a blue-black triangle patch on the flank, tapering back in the caudal peduncle.Coloration is olive-green on the dorsal surface, shading down to silver.Mature males have a straighter front edge and a more pointed lower corner to the triangle ; the female body is considerably plumper.







Common Name



Harlequin Rasbora, Red Rasbora, Harlequin fish


Species


Rasbora heteromorpha


Habitat 


Forest streams and rivers in Thailand, Malaysia and Sumatra.


Maximum Size


About 1.5"/4cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


About 10 gallon


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  


22 to 25°C (73 to 82° F).



pH


5.0 - 7.0.


Hardness


2 - 12°H


Remark 


After a courtship ritual by the male , eggs are laid and fertilized on the underside of a broad leaf.



Elegant Rasbora

Introduction

A pale, greenish brown dorsal surface shades down to silvery flanks on this rasbora , a violent sheen is seen under side lighting .There are two blue-black blotches on the body; one below the dorsal surface, which is distinctly square , and  one at the end of the caudal peduncle.A further dark mark runs along the base of the anal fin.This fish has large eyes.






Common Name


Rasbora elegans, Elegant Rasbora



Species


Rasbora elegans



Habitat 


Flowing and stationary waters of Borneo, Malaysia and Sumatra


Maximum Size


About 5"/13cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


It's an active species and a tank measuring at least 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres  is needed 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  


72 - 77°F/22 - 25°C


pH


5.0 - 7.5.


Hardness


2 - 12°H


Remark 

This large, active species requires plenty of swimming space in a well-planted aquarium.




Brilliant Rasbora

Introduction

The body of this pinkish brown fish may carry violent overtones, depending on lighting conditions.A blue-black line runs from the top of the snout to the rear edge of the caudal fin.Females are plumper and more deep-set than males.




Common Name


Brilliant Rasbora,Rasbora einthoveni



Species


Rasbora einthoveni



Habitat 


Flowing and stationary waters of Borneo, Malaysia , Sumatra and Thailand.


Maximum Size


About 3.5"/9cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


It's an active species and a tank measuring at least 48" x 12" x 12"/120cm x 30cm x 30cm/113 litres is needed 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  


72 - 79°F/22 - 26°C


pH


5.0 - 7.5.



Hardness


2 - 10°H


Remark 

A hardy and active species , this fish can tolerate temperatures as low as 65 °F (18°C )


Eye-Spot Rasbora

Introduction

The coloration of this species is golden-green, gradually shading down to white.The dorsal fin has a distinctive white-edged , dark blotch ; all other fins are relatively plain.The female body is deeper than the male; he may have some more definite colors in the fins.



Common Name


Rasbora dorsiocellata, ocellated rasbora, hi-spot rasbora, and eye-spot rasbora


Species


Rasbora dorsiocellata



Habitat 


Streams and rivers of the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra.


Maximum Size


About 2.5"/6.5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A group will need a tank measuring a minimum of 18" x 12" x 12"/45cm x 30cm x 30cm/42.5 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  


68 - 77°F/20 - 25°C


pH


5.0 - 7.5.



Hardness


1 - 10°H


Remark 

This fish is best kept in small schools in a well-planted aquarium, where spawning may occur.A smaller subspecies Rasbora dorsiocellata macrophthalma ,grows to only half the size of this species show here and has vivid blue eyes.


Slender Rasbora

Introduction

This fish has an elongate body with slight with slight curves on the dorsal and ventral profiles.Its body coloration is silver with overtones of purple, green or yellow.A blue-black line runs the length of the fish.The fins of the male have a yellowish tinge, and the female body shape is slightly deeper.




Common Name


Black-line Rasbora, Rasbora daniconius,Slender Rasbora


Species


Rasbora  daniconius


Habitat 


Streams and rivers of Burma, the Great Sunda Islands, Thailand, Southeast India and Sri Lanka.


Maximum Size


About 3.5"/9cm.


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 small group of these active fish.


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 - 80° F (22 - 27° C)


pH


7.0 - 7.5



Hardness


8 - 17° dH


Remark 

This fish is similar in appearance to Rasboara einthoveni (opposite).It will usually reach twice the given size in the wild.

Giant Scissortail

Introduction




The predominant feature of the Giant Scissortail is its deeply forked and distinctively colored.The yellow areas on each tail fork culminate in a white-tipped black patch at each extremity.There is s slight increase in the girth of females preparing to breed.



Common Name


Giant Scissortail, Spot-tailed Rasbora.


Species


Rasbora caudimaculata


Habitat 


Streams and small rivers in Thailand, Malaysia and Sumatra.


Maximum Size


About 6"/15cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


Recommended a tank of at least 25 gallons.




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  


68- 79°F/20 - 26°C


pH


6.5 - 7.0



Hardness


 
 

dH range: 9 - 17


Remark 


This highly active fish requires plenty of swimming space.


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