Page 80 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

78 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Boraras maculatus Sundadamo axelrodi
Spotted Rasbora with three dark spots along the side of the body. Axelrod’s Rasbora
The pattern of dark markings differs between
ORIGINS Southeast Asia, extending from western individuals. The males are recognizable by their ORIGINS Southeast Asia, where this species is restricted
Malaysia southward to western Sumatra. brighter coloration and flat underparts; females to the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
SIZE 1 in (2.5 cm). have a slightly curved lower outline. Spotted SIZE 1 ⁄4 in (3 cm).
1
DIET Flake and live foods. Rasboras, which look best in shoals, can be mixed DIET Flake and live foods.
WATER Temperature 75–79°F (24–26°C); soft (50 mg/l) with suitable companions of a similar size, WATER Temperature 73–79°F (23–26°C); soft (50 mg/l)
and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5). including other small rasboras. A pair will spawn and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5).
TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social. in a breeding tank that is well planted with TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social.
Sagittaria and cryptocorynes, but they will eat
This rasbora is the smallest member not only of its their eggs if left there. About 50 eggs are produced, These beautiful fish are instantly recognizable,
group but also of the entire cyprinid family. The and they hatch in about 36 hours. Very fine fry since their body is fluorescent green on top and
Spotted Rasbora has a long, narrow caudal peduncle food is essential for the young fish at first. reddish below, with red coloration also evident
on the ventral fin. Axelrod’s Rasboras appear to
lack the sensory lateral line along the sides
of the body, which is perhaps compensated for by
their large eyes. Discovered in 1976, this species
was named after Dr. Herbert Axelrod, a leading
American ichthyologist and fishkeeper.

Boraras urophthalmoides
GROUP DYNAMICS
Glass Rasbora peduncle. Male Glass Rasboras have a very
evident white spot at the base of the dorsal fin The majority of rasboras are shoaling fish,
ORIGINS Southeast Asia, where its distribution extends and a larger adjacent black area, both of which and if they are kept singly in the aquarium,
from Vietnam south to Sumatra. the females lack. Relatively dark surroundings, they become shy and nervous. There appears
SIZE 1 ⁄2 in (3.5 cm). with bogwood decor and suitable plants, should to be some recognition between members
1
DIET Flake and live foods. help to overcome the natural nervousness of these of a shoal, since new individuals added to an
WATER Temperature 73–77°F (23–25°C); soft (50 mg/l) fish. It has proved possible to breed Glass aquarium containing an established group are
and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5). Rasboras in a planted spawning tank, provided unlikely to be accepted readily by the rest of
TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social. that the water temperature is kept slightly higher the shoal. As a result, the newcomers may
than that in the main aquarium, at up to 82°F form a separate group, but there is rarely any
These small, attractive rasboras have a red stripe (28°C). About 50 eggs are laid on the underside conflict between the shoals. Changing the
running along each side of the body. There is a of the leaves of cryptocoryne plants, after which decor of the tank just before the newcomers
broader, iridescent area beneath this stripe that the adult pair should be removed to protect the are introduced seems to improve the
gradually tapers to a point along the caudal eggs. They hatch after about two days. chances that the fish will integrate.

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