rasbora-chil rasbora 2 cm

Introduction: • Species: Chili Rasbora • Common Names: Chili Rasbora, Mosquito Rasbora • Natural Habitat: Found in slow-moving, peat swamps and blackwater streams in Borneo, Southeast Asia. Physical Characteristics: • Appearance: Small, vibrant fish with a bright red body, accented with a black horizontal stripe running from the head to the tail. Their striking colors make them a popular choice for nano aquariums. • Size: Typically grows up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in length, making them one of the smallest species in the hobby. • Lifespan: Can live up to 5-6 years with proper care in a well-maintained aquarium. Habitat Requirements: • Tank Size: A minimum of 5 gallons for a small school of fish. Larger tanks are preferred to allow for more space and stable water parameters. • Water Conditions: o Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C). o pH: 4.0-7.0, thriving in soft, acidic water similar to their natural habitat. • Aquascaping: Heavily planted tanks with soft lighting are ideal. Floating plants can also help diffuse light, mimicking the shaded environments they are used to in the wild. Diet: • Primary Diet: Carnivorous, feeding mainly on micro-invertebrates and tiny zooplankton in the wild. • Supplemental Feeding: Provide a diet of high-quality micro-pellets or finely crushed flakes, supplemented with live or frozen foods like daphnia, cyclops, and baby brine shrimp. • Feeding Frequency: Feed small portions 1-2 times per day. Compatibility: • Temperament: Extremely peaceful and shy; best kept in groups of 8 or more to feel secure and display their natural schooling behavior. • Suitable Tank Mates: Ideal for nano community tanks with other small, peaceful species like small Tetras, Otocinclus, and shrimp. • Incompatibilities: Avoid large or aggressive fish, as Chili Rasboras can easily be stressed or outcompeted for food. Care Level: • Difficulty: Easy to moderate; requires stable water conditions and appropriate tank mates. • Health Monitoring: Monitor for common health issues like stress from incompatible tank mates or poor water quality. Breeding: • Breeding in Captivity: Possible but challenging due to their small size and delicate nature. • Spawning: Egg scatterers; a breeding setup with soft, acidic water and dense plant cover will encourage spawning. Parents do not care for their eggs, so separating fry may be necessary. Economic Considerations: • Market Demand: High demand for nano and aquascaping setups due to their small size and vibrant color. • Wholesale Pricing: Generally affordable due to their small size, though prices can vary depending on local availability. • Retail Pricing: Typically priced moderately, often sold in small groups for best visual effect. Sustainability and Conservation: • Wild Population: Currently stable, though habitat destruction in Southeast Asia poses a long-term threat to wild populations. • Aquaculture Efforts: Successfully bred in captivity, reducing pressure on wild populations. Conclusion: The Chili Rasbora is a beautiful and peaceful addition to nano and planted aquariums. Their small size, vivid coloration, and gentle nature make them a perfect choice for hobbyists seeking a striking yet low-maintenance species. With proper care, they can thrive in well-planted, community setups, offering a splash of color to any tank.