Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Danio erythromicron

Note: Due
to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
provided.

Care

The Emerald Dwarf 'Rasbora' is a diminutive but beautiful
species suitable for smaller well-planted aquaria. They do tend to be of quite
a shy disposition and are best maintained in large groups of 10 or more fish.
Keeping D. erythromicron in a single species only tank will further the chances
of successful spawning without the need for a separate breeding tank, but they
can be kept alongside other small peaceful species if desired. Originating from
Lake Inle, Shan States, Myanmar, where the water is reportedly fairly hard and
alkaline, D. erythromicron will do best in conditions which mimic the natural
habitat as closely as possible. Due to the relatively high elevation of Lake
Inle (approx 3000ft), and with the fish being used to fairly cool conditions,
the temperature should not be allowed to exceed 25 deg C. Provide plenty of
cover in the form of rocks, caves, bogwood and plants, including floating
species. These fish will feel safer if there is dense cover, and will be
inclined to venture out more if they know they have a maze of hiding places to
retreat into if need be. Efficient, yet gentle filtration is recommended, and
small partial water changes should be carried out on a regular basis to keep
organic pollutants to a minimum. Other fish originating from Lake Inle include
Sawbwa resplendens and Yunnanilus brevis. The generic placement of Danio erythromicron
has undergone much debate over the past few years, with some experts initially
believing the species should belong to the Microrasbora genus. May also be seen
on sale as Burmese Zebra 'Rasbora'.

Feeding

Flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as daphnia,
baby brineshrimp, cyclops and mosquito larvae.

Breeding

A small shallow tank should be furnished with clumps of
Java moss and spawning mops, and the conditioned fish acclimatised across.
These fish are known as ?continual spawners? and the females will lay several
eggs each day. Check the plants/mops regularly for eggs and transfer them
across to a hatching tank, away from the hungry parents. The easiest way to do
this is to submerge a small container into the tank and place the egg-laden mop
in it and remove. The mop can then be replaced by a new one and the egg-laden
mop placed into the hatching tank (which must have matching water parameters).
The eggs are approx 1mm in diameter and are translucent. After 5-7 days, it is
wise to intervene in the spawning process so the females do not become
exhausted. Carefully catch the fish out and acclimatise them back to the main
aquarium, where they can rest and be bought back into condition with nutritious
feedings. The hatching aquarium should be set up with a small airstone, and the
eggs within the mops can be expected to hatch within 3 days or so, by which
time they will appear more pigmented. Once free-swimming (usually after a
week), the fry may be offered infusoria, moving on to larger foodstuffs e.g.
finely powdered fry foods and nauplii in accordance with their growth. Snails
(from a disease free source) can be added to the tank to help clear up any
excess food, and any that is missed should be siphoned out during the daily
partial water change regime which must be carried out carefully and slowly.