斑纹泰波鱼 · Dwarf Rasbora

Overview

Boraras maculatus is a tiny blackwater fish whose red coloration varies among populations. A generously planted, stable aquarium and a substantial group bring out its appearance better than keeping a few specimens among larger community fishes.

Distribution & habitat

The range includes Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand, eastern Sumatra, Singapore and Bintan. Shaded forest-swamp streams contain soft acidic water stained by decomposing plant matter, with leaves and woody debris scattered across the bottom.

Aquarium setup

Shade and shelter are priorities: combine plants with roots and floating cover while keeping filter flow gentle. Sand and leaf litter make a useful alternative natural layout. The aquarium must be biologically mature before stocking, and cover should not eliminate all swimming room.

Diet & feeding

Examination of wild fish has established a diet of small animal prey. Use food particles small enough for the fish to handle, combining good dry food with water fleas, brine shrimp and other suitably tiny live or frozen items.

Behaviour & compatibility

A group of eight to ten or more is preferable. Social confidence and male displays improve when numbers are adequate. Tiny peaceful companions and freshwater shrimp are possibilities in planted conditions, but larger, boisterous fishes make an unsuitable community.

Sexual dimorphism

Ripe females are rounder and often slightly larger. Males, particularly dominant ones, generally show stronger coloration.

Breeding

This is a repeated small-batch egg scatterer with no brood care. Condition the adults together, then transfer two or three pairs gently into a shaded spawning aquarium with fine plants and a barrier protecting fallen eggs. Adults consume eggs, so remove them within about two days. Hatching can start around day two, with later batches following. Once yolk is exhausted, offer microscopic prey; brine-shrimp nauplii or microworms become suitable as the fry grow, often after a week or more. Avoid abrupt early water changes.

Notes

Population-related differences in red intensity are normal. Head coloration and the pattern of dark markings are more useful than matching the shade of a single sales photograph.