Mosquito rasbora - Boraras brigittae
Scientific name: Boraras brigittae
Common name: Mosquito rasbora
Family: Cyprinidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 3 - 4 cm (1.18 - 1.57 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.3 - 7
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 14°N (89.29 - 250ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South Asia
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Origin
Asia; Mosquito rasboras are endemic to South West Borneo.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Mosquito rasbora is 4-8 years.
Short description
Due to their small size, Mosquito rasboras are not ideal for a community tank. They are best kept in small groups of at least 8 specimens and are tolerant of a wide range of water parameters. The aquarium should be fully cycled before adding these fish as with most species, swings in the water parameters can have an effect on the overall health of the fish. Fully planted aquariums are ideal for the Mosquito rasboras, they also prefer dimmed lighting so make sure you only add plants that can thrive in lower lighting levels or use artificial plants. The water flow should be minimal as they do not normally occur in flowing rivers but are found in slow moving waters. Keep the water quality high by performing regular water changes. Ideal tank mates are similar sized species that have a peaceful composition such as Tetras or some of the other cyprinid species.
Food and feeding
Although Mosquito rasboras are not fussy eaters they do require a varied diet. Use a quality flake or small granules but not as the staple diet. Vary the feeds with Daphnia, Brine shrimp or similar on a regular basis. They will graze around the aquarium searching for algal colonies to supplement their diet so this can be encouraged by adding some leaf litter to the aquarium and allowing to to break down over a few weeks.
Sexing
Males are slimmer and slightly smaller than the females, they will also display a brighter colouration. Dominant males in the group will also display a dark red colouration.
Breeding
Mosquito rasboras are avid breeders and will spawn in the tank without any help from the keeper. Boraras brigittae are egg scatterers and will lay a few eggs every day, If you wish to keep the fry then remove the parents after the second day of spawning as this is when the first eggs will hatch. Start feeding the fry 24 hours later as the yolk sac will be consumed by then, the fry will accept Infusoria initially. The parent fish will attempt to eat the eggs if they spot any that are in full view so it is best to remove the parent fish once spawning has ceased and the eggs have been fertilised. Spawning will occur on a regular basis so from one batch of parent fish it is possible that you will finish up with several batches of eggs to care for so make sure that you have the containers or small tanks required to home these. Use air driven sponge filters as these are easy to keep clean and the water flow can be reduced to a very low level, only perform small water changes but on a daily basis to prevent any stress to the fry.
Pictures
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.