Microrasbora erythromicron

Description

Care
Emerald Dwarf "Rasbora" is a tiny but beautiful species suitable for smaller well planted aquariums. They tend to be quite shy and are best kept in large groups of 10 or more fish. Keeping D. erythromicron in a single species tank will increase the chances of successful spawning without the need for a separate breeding tank, but they can be kept with other small peaceful species if desired. Originating from Inle Lake, Shan States, Myanmar, where the water is reported to be quite hard and alkaline, D. erythromicron will do best in conditions that mimic the natural environment as closely as possible. Because of the relatively high altitude of Inle Lake (about 3000 feet) and with the fish being used in fairly cool conditions, the temperature should not be allowed to exceed 25 degrees C. Provide plenty of cover in the form of rocks, caves, wood and plants, including floating species. These fish will feel safer if there is dense cover and will tend to come out more if they know they have a maze of hidden places to retreat to if necessary. Effective but gentle filtration is recommended and small partial water changes should be made on a regular basis to keep organic contaminants to a minimum. Other fish native to Inle Lake include Sawbwa resplendens and Yunnanilus brevis. The general placement of Danio erythromicron has been much debated in recent years, with some experts initially believing that the species should belong to the genus Microrasbora. It may also appear for sale as the Burmese zebra "Rasbora".

Feeding
Flakes, microspheres, small frozen foods such as daphnia, shrimp, cyclops and mosquito larvae

Reproduced from
A small shallow tank should be stocked with clumps of Java moss and spawning moss, and the conditioned fish should be acclimated across the way. These fish are known as "continuous spawners" and the females lay many eggs each day. Check the plants/mops regularly for eggs and move them to an incubation tank away from the hungry parents. The easiest way to do this is to submerge a small container in the tank and place the mop with eggs and remove it. The mop can then be replaced with a new one and the egg mop can be placed in the incubation tank (which should have corresponding water parameters). The eggs are about 1 mm in diameter and are transparent. After 5-7 days, it is prudent to intervene in the breeding process so that the females do not become exhausted. Carefully catch the fish and adjust them back to the main aquarium, where they can rest and be bought back in a nutritious food situation. The incubation tank should be set up with a small air stone and the eggs within the mop should be expected to hatch within about 3 days, at which time they will appear more colored. Once swimming freely (usually after a week), infusoria can be offered to the fry, moving on to larger foods, e.g. chopped fried foods and nauplii depending on their growth. Snails (from a disease free source) can be added to the tank to help remove any excess food and what is lost should be absorbed during the daily partial water change process which should be carried out carefully and slowly.