Data sheet mosquitofish
German name:
mosquito danios
Scientific name:
Boraras brigittae
Origin:
South East Asia
Size:
Up to 2-3cm
Aquarium
Length:
Length 50cm – width 30cm
water values
Temperature:
24°C to 28°C
GH:
2 – 10 °dGH
pH:
6 – 7
CH:
2 – 10° dKH
Behave
Area:
Middle aquarium area
Lining:
Behave:
Schooling fish, peaceful
Number:
Shoal fish at least 10
Difficulty level:
For advanced
Boraras brigittae – Mosquitorasbora WF – Image 2 | © Fishtopia GmbH
Boraras brigittae – Mosquitorasbora WF – Image 1 | © Fishtopia GmbH
With the boom in nano aquaristics, the demand for miniature fish has also increased in recent years. In addition to spark tetra, guinea fowl rasbora and dwarf armored catfish, the mosquito rasboa in particular is one of the most popular tiny creatures in freshwater aquaristics.
But be careful: Just because a fish has a delicate build doesn’t mean it has to feel comfortable in nano aquariums. Aquariums with a volume of at least 50 liters should be available, especially for lively schooling fish such as the mosquito rasbora. There are no upper limits. The larger the tank, the larger the possible shoal and the more interaction between the fish.
gender differences
The basic coloring of the mosquito rasp consists of a bright red to orange with a black spot. This extends like an elongated rhombus from the gill cover to behind the dorsal fin. A fine, luminous line runs above and below this dark spot. Pectoral, abdominal and dorsal fins also show both red-orange and black parts. The caudal fin, on the other hand, is mostly transparent.
The coloring of the males is much more intense and brighter than that of the females. In females, the bright red often turns into a washed-out orange. As with many other fish species, the males are also smaller and more delicately built than the females.
If you want to breed mosquito rasbora in a targeted manner, you have to put in a little effort. Matching pairs are placed separately in densely planted small tanks and fed with fine live food such as artemia and water fleas. The water should be as soft and acidic as possible. After mating and laying eggs, the parents have to leave the breeding tank and are best placed back in the parent tank. Mosquito danios are free spawners and prey on their offspring.
The hardest part is raising the young. After the yolk sac has been consumed, sometimes even Artemia nauplii are too big for the tiny young fish. The feeding is therefore carried out in the first few days with dust food or infusoria.
If you are only concerned with a stable swarm, you can also keep it permanently in a densely planted tank with a layer of mulm on the bottom. In this environment, individual young fish always manage to survive the difficult first few weeks and join the swarm directly.
socialization
VivienneHarper, Nano aquarium with Boraras brigittae, CC BY-SA 3.0
The mosquito rasboa feels really comfortable in a well-established underwater jungle. A dense root system, foliage on the bottom and filtering over peat not only create soft, acidic water, but also a dim environment in which the colors of the mini fish really come into their own. Dark substrate and a layer of floating plants reinforce this effect. Filtering should not create a large current. Due to its low metabolism, the mosquito danios is even suitable for tanks without filters for experienced aquarists and low stocking densities.
Companion fish should have similar requirements in terms of water parameters and equipment. Size and peacefulness should also be in a similar range. Other peaceful mini fish such as dwarf armored catfish or small tetra species are best suited for socializing. Those who want to stay on the same continent can try their hand at snarling pygmy gouramis or licorice gouramis. But peaceful dwarf cichlids are also suitable as a company.
With larger fish there is a risk that the mosquito rasboa will end up on the menu due to its small size. In case of doubt, socialization should therefore be avoided. Conversely, the little rasbora does not prey on dwarf shrimp, which is why they can be kept together in the same aquarium.
FAQs – Frequently asked questions about mosquito rasbora
How many mosquito rasbora should be kept together?
Mosquito danios are sociable Swarm fishes. So that the animals feel comfortable and can be kept as species-appropriate as possible, they should be kept in a group from ten individuals living together. Here, the larger the group, the better.
How old do mosquito rasbora get?
In good living conditions, the fish can reach an age of seven years.
Where does the mosquito danios come from?
The fish is in Southeast Asia, in the south of the island Borneo resident. He prefers slow-moving waters. It is often found in swampy areas or streams and likes to be in areas that are well shaded by plants. As a typical shoal fish, it lives in its habitat together with many of its own kind.
What do I have to consider with mosquito danios?
The fish is very small and delicate with a body length of two to three centimetres. It must be noted that the mosquito danios is a very agile school fish is. Despite its small size, it needs a lot of swimming space in order to be able to swim long distances through the tank together with conspecifics.
As social animal he needs the group to feel safe and to live out his sociable temperament.
It should also be noted that the fish lives in waters that lead to so-called black water in its native Borneo.
Black water is dark in color, reflects little light, is soft, and tends to be acidic, meaning it has a lower pH. In terms of species-appropriate keeping, the water values in the aquarium and its design must be adjusted. A small jungle with diffuse, twilight lighting conditions, a pH value of no more than 7.0 and a total hardness of 2 to a maximum of 10° dGH suits the animals.
Beginners in the field of aquaristics should note that breeding is difficult.
Is it advisable to socialize mosquito danios with shrimp?
The small shoal fish can be very well with dwarf shrimp socialize, for example with bee shrimp. Advantage: Mosquito danios are not dangerous, even for the offspring of shrimp.
Can mosquito danios and dwarf crabs live together?
The crabs that live on the ground can be dangerous for the tiny danios, which like to stay in the upper but also middle pelvic area. A socialization is rather discouraged