Red Dwarf Rasbora

The red dwarf rasbora is a small species endemic to Inle Lake in Myanmar and its surroundings. As males mature they take on a color ranging from salmon red to deep red; females are silvery olive and plain. It grows to about 3 cm. Like the emerald dwarf rasbora from the same lake, and unlike tropical lowland fish, it needs cool, hard, alkaline water; it does not stay healthy for long in soft, acidic water.

• At least 40 liters for a group of 8–12.
• 20–24°C, pH 7–8, moderately hard to hard water; make sure it does not exceed 26°C in summer heat.
• A dim setup with dense plants, moss and floating plants.
• Gentle flow and 20–25% water changes weekly.

Omnivorous. It accepts micro granules and fine flakes; newly hatched brine shrimp, cyclops and daphnia make the males' red more pronounced.

Peaceful and somewhat timid. It swims in a loose group in the middle layer, close to the plants; males display to each other by flaring their fins.

Good companions: emerald dwarf rasboras, celestial pearl danios, Neocaridina shrimp, otocinclus, snails.

Avoid: active and large species, fish that need warm, soft water, any species with a mouth big enough to swallow it.