Microdevario kubotai

Overview

Microdevario kubotai is a tiny, peaceful schooling fish whose color shows well over a dark substrate among plants. Mature, stable water and suitably small food are central to care. Keep at least eight to ten; small individual size is not a reason to place it casually in a newly established tank.

Distribution & habitat

Native records include the northwestern side of peninsular Thailand and Salween-related systems in southern Myanmar, including the Ataran and Suriya drainages. A population in Thailand's Songgaria River is introduced, so occurrence there should not be confused with native range.

Typical sites are oxygen-rich headwaters and small tributaries with calm to moderate flow. Sand, gravel, stones, leaves, roots, wood, and patches of plants create varied structure. Water clarity differs between localities, from transparent to slightly turbid.

Aquarium setup

Dense planting and a dark bottom bring out its appearance, whereas sparse surroundings can leave it looking pale. A stream-style arrangement of stones, gravel, rounded boulders, branches, and attached plants is another option, provided the group retains swimming room.

Use only an established aquarium with stable conditions. Weekly changes of roughly 30–50% are part of continuing maintenance; a newly filled, unstable system is not an equivalent substitute.

Diet & feeding

Tiny invertebrates, algae, and other plankton are suggested natural foods rather than a confirmed specialized diet.

Appropriately sized dry preparations are accepted, but small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia and brine shrimp should form much of the menu. Check that the fish can actually capture the particles supplied.

Behaviour & compatibility

Its very peaceful nature favors a species group or similarly sized fishes sharing its requirements. Lack of direct aggression is not the only consideration when assessing larger, more vigorous companions.

Wild groups commonly contain 20–50 fish. Eight to ten or more in an aquarium reduce nervousness, and males show richer color while competing for female attention.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females tend to be deeper-bodied and noticeably larger. Males are more compact and intensely colored.

Breeding

Aquarium breeding has succeeded. The group's typical pattern is scattering eggs among plants without subsequent care. Well-conditioned adults may spawn repeatedly, and a few young can survive unaided in mature planted tanks.

For greater yield, prepare separate small containers with settled water and plenty of fine plants or spawning mops. Dedicated light and filtration are optional; a small air-driven sponge filter can be used. Introduce a conditioned pair or small mixed group, remembering that additional adults increase egg predation.

Remove the parents after roughly two or three days. Incubation commonly takes about 72 hours, varying with temperature, followed by another three or four days before free swimming. Start with microscopic food around 5–50 μm, introducing brine shrimp nauplii or microworms only when the young are large enough.

Notes

Transparent dorsal and anal fins distinguish it from some dark-tipped relatives. Older records may use Microrasbora kubotai, which should be matched to the current name when checking identity.