Description
General Information
- Scientific Name: Celestichthys erythromicron
- Common Names: Emerald Dwarf Rasbora, Emerald Rasbora, Microrasbora erythromicron
- Family: Danionidae
- Origin: Inle Lake, Myanmar (Burma)
- Size: 1.0 to 1.5 inches (2.5–3.5 cm)
- Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
Appearance
- Body Color: Metallic greenish-blue with orange or red vertical bars.
- Fins: Transparent to reddish-orange, with some having dark edges.
- Eyes: Large relative to body size, adding to their charm.
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (best in larger tanks for groups)
- Water Temperature: 68–76°F (20–24°C)
- pH Range: 6.5–7.5
- Hardness: 2–10 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
- Substrate: Fine sand or gravel, with plenty of plants and hiding spots.
- Tank Setup: Dense vegetation, low to moderate lighting, gentle filtration.
Behavior and Compatibility
- Temperament: Peaceful but shy.
- Schooling: Best kept in groups of 6 or more.
- Tankmates: Other small, peaceful fish like chili rasboras, celestial pearl danios, pygmy corydoras, and shrimp. Avoid large or aggressive fish.
Diet
- Type: Omnivore
- Preferred Food: High-quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen or live foods (such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and microworms).
- Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times per day in small amounts.
Breeding
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Breeding Setup: Separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water.
- Egg-Laying: Scatters eggs among fine-leaved plants.
- Parental Care: No parental care; eggs may be eaten by adults.
- Fry Care: Feed infusoria or powdered fry food until large enough for baby brine shrimp.
Special Considerations
- Prefers well-oxygenated water with stable conditions.
- Can be shy; benefits from a densely planted environment.
- Sensitive to water quality; regular maintenance is essential.
