The Phoenix Rasbora, scientifically known as Boraras merah, is a small and visually captivating fish. Its vibrant colours make it a popular choice among aquarists. With its striking red and orange hues, this rasbora adds a beautiful splash of colour to any aquarium.
Natural Habitat:
In its natural habitat, the Phoenix Rasbora can be found in the Kapuas River basin in Borneo, Indonesia. It inhabits slow-moving and densely vegetated freshwater environments. These rasboras prefer areas with a mix of submerged vegetation, leaf litter, and open spaces for swimming.
Keeping Phoenix Rasboras:
The Phoenix Rasbora is considered suitable for aquarists of all skill levels. It is a hardy and adaptable fish that can thrive in various tank conditions. Its relatively low care requirements make it a good choice for beginners. However, providing them with a well-maintained and appropriately-sized aquarium is crucial for their overall health and well-being.
Special Requirements and Feeding:
To keep Phoenix Rasboras healthy, it is important to maintain stable water parameters. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A temperature range of 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C) is ideal for their well-being. These rasboras are omnivorous and will readily accept high-quality flake or pellet food. Supplementing their diet with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms is beneficial for their optimal nutrition.
How Many Phoenix Rasbora Should I Keep?
Phoenix Rasboras are social fish that thrive in groups. It is recommended to keep them in schools of at least six individuals or more. The presence of a larger group will enhance their natural behaviour and reduce stress levels. A larger school of 10 or more rasboras will create a more visually impressive display in the aquarium.
Lighting Preference:
Phoenix Rasboras prefer moderate to dim lighting in their aquarium. Mimicking the subdued lighting conditions found in their natural habitat will help create a more comfortable environment for them. Providing areas with dense vegetation and floating plants will also give them places to seek shelter and reduce stress.
Suitable Tank Mates:
Phoenix Rasboras are peaceful and can coexist with a variety of peaceful fish species. Suitable tank mates include other small community fish like tetras, dwarf Corydoras, or small rasboras. Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish that may intimidate or prey on them.
Breeding Phoenix Rasbora:
Breeding Phoenix Rasboras in captivity is possible, although it requires specific conditions and attention to detail. A separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants, such as java moss or spawning mops, can be set up. The water parameters should be maintained at the ideal range, and the temperature may be slightly increased to encourage spawning behaviour. Providing live or frozen foods can also enhance their breeding readiness.
Sexual Dimorphism:
Sexual dimorphism in Phoenix Rasboras is minimal. Both males and females exhibit similar coloration and body shape, making it challenging to distinguish between the sexes based on physical appearance alone.
Lifespan:
The average lifespan of Phoenix Rasboras is around 2 to 3 years. With proper care, a healthy environment, and a balanced diet, some individuals may live longer.
Distribution:
Phoenix Rasboras are naturally occurring in the Kapuas River basin in Borneo, Indonesia. They are not a captive-bred or line-bred strain, but rather a species found in the wild.
Summary:
The Phoenix Rasbora, scientifically known as Boraras merah, is a visually stunning and captivating fish that adds a vibrant touch to any aquarium. With its striking red and orange colours, it creates a visually impressive display when kept in a school. This species is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Maintaining stable water parameters, providing a varied diet, and ensuring appropriate tank mates are key to keeping them healthy.
In their natural habitat of the Kapuas River basin in Borneo, Indonesia, Phoenix Rasboras thrive in slow-moving, vegetation-rich freshwater environments. Mimicking these conditions in the aquarium by incorporating live plants, subdued lighting, and areas for swimming is beneficial for their well-being. They are peaceful fish that can coexist with other small community species.
Breeding Phoenix Rasboras can be achieved with the right setup and conditions. A separate breeding tank with suitable plants and slightly increased temperature can encourage spawning. While sexual dimorphism is minimal, observing breeding behaviour and the presence of eggs can indicate successful reproduction.
The average lifespan of Phoenix Rasboras is around 2 to 3 years, but with proper care, some individuals may live longer. These fish are not captive-bred or line-bred strains but originate from the wild populations in Borneo.
In summary, the Phoenix Rasbora is a captivating and visually stunning fish that brings vibrant colours to the aquarium. With proper care, suitable tank conditions, and a well-balanced diet, they can thrive and provide an impressive display for aquarists to enjoy.
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